A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), his son, and his wife, who are facing charges of alleged money laundering involving a staggering N9 billion.
Bail Conditions Set at N500 Million Each
In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Justice Emeka Nwite admitted the trio to bail in the sum of N1.5 billion cumulatively. Each defendant was granted bail at N500 million with stringent conditions attached.
Justice Nwite ordered that Malami must produce two sureties who would stand for him in the like sum. The sureties are required to possess landed properties in highbrow areas of the Federal Capital Territory, specifically Maitama, Asokoro, or Gwarimpa. The court's Deputy Chief Registrar is mandated to verify the documents of these properties.
Furthermore, the sureties must depose to an affidavit of means. The former minister is to surrender his international passport to the court and is barred from leaving the country without the court's express permission. Both Malami and his sureties must also submit two recent passport photographs to the court registry.
Identical Terms for Co-Defendants
The same bail terms were extended to Malami's son, Abdulaziz Malami, his wife, and an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, Hajia Asabe Bashir. The judge had earlier ordered the former AGF to be remanded in Kuje prison pending the perfection of his bail conditions.
The charges stem from a 16-count money laundering charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The anti-graft agency accused the defendants of laundering funds amounting to N9 billion.
Judge Issues Stern Warning Against Compromise
In a significant part of the proceedings, Justice Emeka Nwite issued a strong warning to lawyers and litigants involved in the case. He cautioned them against attempting to approach him for any form of undue favour or compromise.
"I want to admonish and warn counsel and litigants that they should know the type of court they are appearing before. All judges are not the same. Irrespective of my familiarity with you, when I am dealing with any case, do not approach me," Justice Nwite stated firmly.
He emphasized that his leniency in granting bail should not be mistaken for weakness, asserting that the law would not be bent under his watch. The judge advised that the best service lawyers could render to their clients was to provide competent legal representation, not to seek backdoor influence.
Following the bail ruling, Justice Nwite adjourned the case. The substantive trial for the corruption charges is scheduled to commence on February 17, 2026.
