Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to the immediate past Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, his son Abdulaziz Malami, and Hajia Asabe Bashir, in an ongoing criminal trial.
The defendants were each admitted to bail in the sum of ₦500 million with two sureties each. Justice Nwite ordered that the sureties must possess landed property in Asokoro, Maitama or Gwarinpa in Abuja.
The court directed that the original title documents of the properties be presented for verification by the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Court, and that the sureties must depose to an affidavit of means confirming their capacity to meet the bail obligations.
In addition, the judge ordered that Mr Malami and his co-accused must deposit their international passports with the court and are not to travel outside Nigeria without the express permission of the court. The defendants were also required to provide their two most recent passport photographs to the court registry.
Until these conditions are fully met, Justice Nwite directed that the former AGF remain in custody at Kuje Correctional Centre.
The judge fixed 17 February 2026 for the commencement of trial in the 16-count alleged corruption and money-laundering case.
The case stems from charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which accuses Mr Malami, his son and Ms Bashir, an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd, of money laundering and unlawful acquisition of funds and assets.
The 16-count charge alleges that between 2015 and 2025, the defendants engaged in various transactions intended to conceal the unlawful origin of funds and assets. The EFCC claims the alleged illicit proceeds total approximately N8.7 billion, including acquisition of properties across Abuja, Kano and Kebbi States.
At arraignment on 30 December 2025, the defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges brought before Justice Nwite.
This bail ruling follows earlier court proceedings in which the bail application was argued by defence counsel and opposed by the EFCC before Justice Nwite on 7 January.
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