Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted bail to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), alongside two other defendants, in an ongoing money laundering case instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The court granted Malami bail in the sum of ₦500 million with two sureties in like sum. Justice Nwite ruled that the sureties must own landed property in high-value areas of the Federal Capital Territory, including Asokoro, Maitama or Gwarinpa.
As part of the bail conditions, the judge ordered that the property documents presented by the sureties must be verified by the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court. The sureties are also required to depose to affidavits of means to confirm their financial capacity.
Justice Nwite further directed Malami to deposit his international travel documents with the court and barred him from travelling outside the country without prior court approval. He also ordered both Malami and his sureties to submit two recent passport photographs each to the court.
Pending the perfection of the bail conditions, the former Attorney-General is to remain remanded at the Kuje Correctional Facility.
The court fixed February 17 for the commencement of trial in the case.
The same bail conditions were extended to Malami’s son, Abdulaziz Malami, and an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, Hajia Asabe Bashir, who are standing trial alongside him.
The EFCC has filed a 16-count charge against the defendants, bordering on alleged money laundering offences involving billions of naira. The defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Further proceedings in the case are expected to draw significant public and legal attention, given Malami’s former role as Nigeria’s chief law officer.
