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A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted bail to former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abdulaziz Malami, his wife, and his son in the sum of ₦500 million each, with stringent conditions attached.
Strict Bail Conditions
Justice Emeka Nwite, who delivered the ruling on Wednesday, ordered that each defendant must provide two sureties in like sum. The sureties are required to own landed property in Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarinpa, all high-value districts within the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the court, documents relating to the properties must be submitted and verified by the Deputy Chief Registrar. In addition, the sureties are to depose to an affidavit of means.
Travel Restrictions Imposed
The judge further directed that the defendants must submit their international passports and other travel documents to the court. Malami, in particular, was barred from travelling outside Nigeria without the express permission of the court.
Both the defendants and their sureties were also ordered to submit two recent passport photographs each to the court registry.
Remand Pending Bail Perfection
Despite the bail approval, the court ordered that Malami be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of all bail conditions.
Justice Nwite fixed February 17 for the commencement of trial in the case.
EFCC Charges and Background
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a 16-count charge against Malami, his wife, and his son, bordering on alleged money laundering involving about ₦9 billion.
Previously, on December 18, 2025, the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja upheld Malami’s continued detention by the EFCC. He had been in remembered custody since December 8, after reportedly failing to meet the administrative bail conditions set by the anti-graft agency.
Justice Babangida Hassan had dismissed Malami’s application for bail, ruling that his detention was lawful under Section 35 of the Constitution and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
The judge held that granting bail would amount to sitting as an appellate court over a decision of a court of coordinate jurisdiction, a power the court does not possess.
