Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, in the sum of N200 million each over terrorism and illegal firearms charges filed by the Department of State Services.
Despite the bail approval, the court ordered that both defendants be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of their bail conditions. The judge directed that each must produce two sureties, including one who owns landed property in either Maitama or Asokoro, Abuja. The property titles must be submitted to the court, alongside valid international passports and sworn affidavits of means. The defendants were also ordered to deposit their passports.
The court fixed March 4 for the commencement of trial.
In a related development, Justice Abdulmalik declined to recognise an earlier bail granted by another Federal High Court judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, who had admitted Malami, his son and his wife, Hajia Asabe Bashir, to bail in January in a separate money laundering case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the earlier proceedings had ended and that fresh bail applications must be filed before her court. She rejected attempts by defence counsel to make oral applications and adjourned arguments on bail in the money laundering case to March 6.
Malami, his son and his wife are facing a 16-count charge of alleged money laundering involving billions of naira. The EFCC alleges that the defendants conspired to conceal funds believed to be proceeds of unlawful activities between 2015 and 2025. The charges include claims that the funds were used to acquire luxury properties in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and other locations.
Among the allegations is that over N1 billion was channelled through a company to hide its origin, while other sums running into hundreds of millions of naira were allegedly used to purchase high-end properties in Maitama, Asokoro, Garki and Jabi districts of Abuja.
Separately, the DSS has filed a five-count charge against Malami and his son bordering on terrorism-related offences and unlawful possession of firearms. The security agency alleges that while serving as Attorney General, Malami failed to prosecute certain terrorism financing suspects whose case files were submitted to his office. He is accused of knowingly aiding terrorism financing through inaction.
The DSS also claims that Malami and his son unlawfully possessed a Sturm Magnum firearm and ammunition at their residence in Kebbi State without proper licence, contrary to provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Firearms Act 2004.
All the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges read in court.
The case has drawn significant public attention, given Malami’s previous role as the nation’s chief law officer. Proceedings are expected to continue in early March.
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