Malami, wife granted bail in EFCC money laundering suit
The Federal High Court in Abuja has approved a bail of N1.5 billion for former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, SAN, along with his wife and son, in relation to an ongoing money laundering case involving N8.7 billion.
Justice Emeka Nwite issued the ruling after considering arguments from both the prosecution and defense in the case presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
This decision comes after Malami, his son Abdulaziz, and his wife Hajia Bashir Asabe, all pleaded not guilty during their recent arraignment and were initially held in custody, while the court had previously reserved judgment on their bail requests.
In discussing the bail application, Justice Nwite remarked that the foremost issue at this phase is whether the defendants would appear for trial and refrain from interfering with witnesses.
The judge noted that the EFCC's opposition—particularly its apprehensions regarding the likelihood of the defendants fleeing or influencing witnesses—was “not concrete enough.”
“I am inclined to grant the applicants bail in the interest of justice,” ruled Justice Nwite.
Bail was granted to the three defendants in the amount of N500 million each, with two sureties of equal value, totaling N1.5 billion.
Justice Nwite also mandated that the sureties must possess verifiable properties in Maitama or elsewhere within the Federal Capital Territory.
Additionally, the defendants were instructed to surrender their international passports and were barred from traveling outside Nigeria without prior court permission.
Until the bail conditions are met, the defendants will continue to be held at the Kuje Correctional Facility.
The judge also issued a stern warning to all lawyers and parties involved in the case, advising them against attempting to approach him privately during the trial proceedings.
“When dealing with this case, please do not approach me. The law cannot be altered,” he emphasized.
In a prior hearing, EFCC counsel Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, opposed the bail application, urging the court to be cautious.
He argued that even though Malami and the other defendants had previously been granted administrative bail, they allegedly violated its terms, raising concerns that they might flee if granted bail by the court.
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