A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), bail in the sum of ₦500 million as he prepares to face trial over alleged money laundering offences.
Justice Emeka Nwite, who delivered the ruling on Wednesday, ordered Malami to provide two sureties of equal value. The sureties must own verified landed properties located in Maitama, Asokoro, or Gwarimpa areas of Abuja and submit affidavits confirming their financial capacity. Property documents are to be scrutinized by the court’s registry.
As part of the bail conditions, Malami was directed to surrender his international passport and other travel documents to the court. He is also barred from leaving Nigeria without prior court approval. Both the former minister and his sureties are required to submit recent passport photographs.
Until all bail requirements are fully met, the court ordered that Malami remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre. Meanwhile, associates and supporters were seen making efforts to perfect the bail conditions shortly after the ruling.
The court extended the same bail terms to Malami’s son, Abdulaziz Malami, and a staff member of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, Hajia Asabe Bashir. All three are standing trial on a 16-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), bordering on conspiracy and concealment of proceeds allegedly linked to unlawful activities.
The anti-graft agency opposed the bail application, arguing that Malami’s influence, international connections, and public standing could enable him to flee the country or interfere with witnesses. However, the judge dismissed the objections, describing them as speculative and unsupported by evidence.
Justice Nwite emphasized that the law presumes the defendants innocent until proven guilty and noted that the EFCC failed to name any witness allegedly at risk of interference. He ruled that granting bail would better serve the interest of justice.
The alleged offences are said to have occurred between 2015 and 2025 and involve claims that billions of naira were laundered through companies and used to acquire high-value properties in Abuja, Kano, Kebbi, and other locations. The prosecution alleged that several luxury houses were purchased using funds suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
Malami, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, has been in EFCC custody since December after failing to meet earlier administrative bail conditions. The trial is scheduled to begin on February 17.