Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted Abubakar Malami, former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, bail in the sum of N500 million. This is pending the trial of Malami and two other co-defendants, his wife and son, on charges related to money laundering amounting to N9 billion.

As part of the bail conditions, Malami must present two sureties who will stand in the same sum. These sureties are required to own landed properties in high-value areas such as Maitama, Asokoro, or Gwarimpa, with all property documents being verified by the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Court. The sureties are also required to provide affidavits of means. Additionally, Malami must deposit his travel documents with the court and seek express permission before traveling abroad.

While Malami awaits the fulfillment of his bail conditions, he will remain in Kuje Prison. As of the time of reporting, efforts by his friends, business associates, and sympathizers to secure the bail were ongoing. Justice Nwite set February 17 as the date to begin trial on the 16-count money laundering charge against Malami, his son Abdulaziz Malami, and Hajia Asabe Bashir, an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had opposed the bail application, expressing concerns that Malami’s international connections might enable him to flee the country or influence witnesses during the trial. However, Justice Nwite dismissed the EFCC’s concerns, ruling that these were speculative and not legally grounded. The judge reiterated that Malami’s presumption of innocence under the Constitution should stand, adding that no evidence had been presented to suggest witness tampering or interference.

Malami, his son, and Bashir face allegations of conspiracy, concealment of unlawful proceeds, and involvement in laundering large sums of money through luxury properties across Abuja, Kebbi, and Kano. The EFCC claims that between November 2015 and June 2025, the accused individuals used their positions and resources to hide the illicit origins of several transactions amounting to billions of naira.

Some of the charges include the concealment of N1.014 billion in Sterling Bank accounts, the acquisition of a luxury duplex in Maitama for N500 million, and the laundering of over N1.36 billion through various transactions involving Meethaq Hotels Ltd and Rahamaniyya Properties. The trio is also accused of purchasing high-value properties, including several buildings in Maitama, Asokoro, and Gwarimpa, in Abuja.

Malami, who served as Minister of Justice under former President Muhammadu Buhari, had been in the custody of the EFCC since December 8, 2025, after failing to meet previous bail conditions set by the agency.

The trial, set to begin next month, will further examine the extent of the alleged money laundering activities and the involvement of Malami and his co-defendants in concealing the proceeds of unlawful actions.