The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, his wife, Asabe Bashir, and son, Abdulaziz Malami, in the ongoing N8.7 billion money laundering trial against them.
Justice Emeka Nwite on Wednesday set N500 million bail for each defendant, with two sureties of equal value, insisting that the sureties must have verifiable properties in Maitama or Gwarinpa, Abuja.
The judge ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) objections—particularly concerns that the accused might jump bail or interfere with witnesses—were “not concrete enough”.
He added that granting bail was in the interest of justice.
The court also directed that the defendants deposit their passports and refrain from travelling outside Nigeria without prior approval. Until the bail conditions are met, Malami and his family will remain at Kuje Correctional Centre.
Malami has spent 31 days in custody, first with the EFCC (December 8–30, 2025) and then in Kuje following his arraignment. His wife and son have spent 16 days in detention.
The trio faces 16 counts of money laundering, including allegations of retaining proceeds of unlawful activity and illegitimate acquisition of assets with funds of suspicious origin. They have pleaded not guilty to all charges.
During the bail hearing on January 2, defense lawyers argued that the offenses were bailable, while the EFCC opposed, citing the gravity of the allegations and the risk of interfering with justice.
Justice Nwite, after evaluating the evidence, stressed that the key factor was whether the defendants would make themselves available for trial.
The judge warned all parties against private approaches during the trial, emphasizing that lawyers should rely solely on legal representation.
Proceedings have been adjourned until February 17, when the trial is set to commence.
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