A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to the former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, his wife, Asabe Bashir, and their son, Abdulaziz Malami.
The trio is currently facing charges related to a ₦8.7 billion money laundering case.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik set the bail at ₦200 million for each defendant, requiring two sureties in the same amount.
As part of the strict conditions for their release, the court mandated that one surety for each defendant must provide title deeds for properties in the upscale Abuja neighborhoods of Maitama or Asokoro.
Additionally, the defendants were ordered to surrender their international passports to the court.
Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the Malami family must remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service until these conditions are fully met.
Following the bail ruling, the judge stated:“The defendants are to remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions.”
The trial for the money laundering charges is scheduled to commence on March 16, 2026.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges that the former AGF and his family used a network of corporate entities, such as Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited and Meethaq Hotels Limited, to launder illicit funds. These funds were reportedly used to acquire high-value assets across Abuja, Kano, and Kebbi.
In addition to the financial crimes, Malami and his son are dealing with a separate five-count charge involving terrorism financing and the illegal possession of firearms. This second case includes allegations that Malami, while in office, failed to take action against known terrorism financiers. It also stems from the discovery of a Sturm Magnum firearm and ammunition at their residence in December 2025.
Regarding the transition of the terrorism case, a spokesperson noted:“The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, has taken over the prosecution of his immediate predecessor, Abubakar Malami.”
The terrorism-related matter has been adjourned until March 10, 2026, to allow the current AGF’s office to review the evidence.
These legal proceedings have sparked significant debate, particularly following Malami’s recent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Some supporters claim the trials are politically motivated.
Meanwhile, the judiciary has already taken steps regarding his assets; earlier this year, a court ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties linked to Malami, which have a reported value of approximately ₦213 billion.
