The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, his son Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and his wife Hajia Bashir Asabe.
Justice Emeka Nwite, in his ruling, ordered bail of ₦1 billion each for Malami and his son, and ₦500 million for Hajia Asabe, bringing the total bail to ₦1.5 billion.
The judge directed that each defendant must produce two sureties in like sum. The sureties must own landed property in Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarinpa within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The court also ordered the defendants to submit property title documents for verification, surrender their international passports, and remain in custody until all bail conditions are met.
Justice Nwite instructed that the defendants must not travel outside Nigeria without prior approval. Sureties are required to provide two recent passport photographs and depose to affidavits of means.
The matter was adjourned until February 17, 2026 for trial.
EFCC’s Allegations
Before bail was granted, Malami and his son were remanded in Kuje Prison, while Hajia Asabe was held in the female section of Suleja Prison in Niger State.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned the three defendants on a 16-count charge (FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025).
The EFCC alleges that Malami, his son, and wife conspired to launder ₦8.7 billion through property transactions and corporate accounts.
Charges include disguising the origin of funds, acquiring properties indirectly, and retaining sums allegedly known to be proceeds of unlawful activity.
In count one, Malami and his son were accused of procuring Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal ₦1.014 billion in a Sterling Bank account.
In count two, they allegedly concealed another ₦600 million through the same company.
In November 2022, the trio allegedly used Rahamaniyya Properties Limited to conceal ₦500 million paid for a luxury duplex in Maitama, Abuja.
Other counts accuse them of disguising over ₦1.04 billion through Meethaq Hotels Ltd accounts in Union Bank, and indirectly controlling ₦1.36 billion between 2022 and 2024.
They are also charged with concealing ₦700 million for a property in Garki, Abuja, and ₦850 million for another in Jabi District.
Defence counsel Joseph Daudu, SAN, argued that the offences were bailable and urged the court to grant bail in liberal terms.
Prosecuting lawyer Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, opposed bail, warning that Malami’s international connections could help him flee and that his influence could compromise witnesses.
Justice Nwite disagreed, ruling that EFCC’s claims were speculative.
“The averments were not believable because no witness was named in its counter-affidavit of being manipulated by Malami,” the judge said.
He added that the Constitution presumes Malami’s innocence despite the charges, and bail would serve the interest of justice.
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