The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted N1.5 billion bail to former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, SAN, along with his wife and son, in connection with an ongoing N8.7 billion money laundering case.

Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the ruling after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defence in the suit brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The decision follows the recent arraignment of Malami, his son Abdulaziz, and his wife Hajia Bashir Asabe, who all pleaded not guilty and were initially remanded in custody, with the court having reserved its ruling on their bail applications.

On the bail application, Justice Nwite stated that the primary consideration at this stage is whether the defendants are likely to appear for trial and avoid interfering with witnesses.
The judge noted that the EFCC’s opposition—particularly concerns that the defendants might abscond or influence witnesses—was “not concrete enough.”

“I am minded to grant the applicants bail in the interest of justice,” Justice Nwite ruled.

The court granted bail to the three defendants in the sum of N500 million each, with two sureties of equal value, bringing the total bail to N1.5 billion.
Justice Nwite further directed that the sureties must own verifiable properties in Maitama or elsewhere within the Federal Capital Territory.

The defendants were also ordered to surrender their international passports and were prohibited from travelling outside Nigeria without prior court approval.

Until the bail conditions are fulfilled, the defendants will remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Facility.

The judge also issued a stern warning to all lawyers and parties involved in the case, cautioning them against attempting to approach him privately while the trial is ongoing.

“When I am dealing with this case, please don’t approach me. The law cannot be bent,” he stressed.

At an earlier hearing, EFCC counsel Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, opposed the bail application, urging the court to exercise caution. He contended that although Malami and the other defendants had previously been granted administrative bail, they allegedly breached its terms, raising concerns that they might abscond if granted court bail.

At an earlier hearing, EFCC counsel Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, opposed the bail application, urging the court to exercise caution.

He contended that although Malami and the other defendants had previously been granted administrative bail, they allegedly breached its terms, raising concerns that they might abscond if granted court bail.