Former AGF Abubakar Malami and family granted N1.5 billion bail by Abuja Federal High Court in alleged N9 billion money laundering case. Trial set to begin February 17.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), in connection with alleged N9 billion money laundering charges filed by the Federal Government. Malami’s bail was set at N500 million, with the condition that he provide two sureties of equal value.
The court also required that the sureties possess landed property in Abuja, specifically in Maitama, Asokoro, or Gwarimpa, with verification of the property documents conducted by the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Court. Additionally, the sureties must swear an affidavit of means to confirm their financial capability.
Malami is to deposit his travel documents with the court and is prohibited from leaving the country without prior court approval. Both Malami and his sureties must also submit two recent passport photographs to the court. Prior to fulfilling these conditions, the ex-AGF was to remain in Kuje Prison.
The same bail conditions were extended to Malami’s son, Abdulaziz Malami, his mother, and an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, Hajia Asabe Bashir.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed a 16-count money laundering charge against Malami, his son, and wife. During proceedings, Justice Nwite cautioned lawyers and litigants against attempting to seek any favours, emphasizing that leniency should not be perceived as weakness.
The judge set February 17 as the commencement date for the trial. He urged all parties to engage competent legal representation and warned that any effort to undermine his integrity would be firmly resisted.
