Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted ₦1.5 billion bail to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, his wife, Hajia Asabe, and their son, Abdulaziz.
The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, January 7, came as a surprise development in a case that has drawn national attention.
The court held that each defendant must provide two sureties in the same sum.
According to the ruling, the sureties must be owners of landed properties in Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarinpa districts of the Federal Capital Territory.
Moreover, the title documents of the properties are to be submitted for verification by the court.
In addition, Justice Nwite ordered the defendants to surrender their international passports.
The court further directed that the sureties must submit two recent passport photographs.
They are also required to depose to an affidavit of means to prove financial capacity.
However, despite granting bail, the court ruled that the defendants must remain in custody for now.
Justice Nwite stated that they would stay in prison custody pending the perfection of the bail conditions.
The court also warned that the defendants must not travel outside Nigeria without prior permission.
The case was subsequently adjourned until February 17 for the commencement of trial.
Malami, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Justice from November 11, 2015, to May 29, 2023, is facing a 16-count money laundering charge.
He was arraigned alongside his wife and son on allegations linked to financial crimes and property transactions.
According to the prosecution, Hajia Asabe was identified as an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited.
The firm is alleged to have been used to conceal proceeds of unlawful activities through real estate deals.
Furthermore, Abdulaziz Malami was named as a co-defendant in transactions under investigation.
The Malami money laundering case has generated intense public interest due to his former position.
Although the defence has yet to fully open its case, the bail ruling has shifted attention to the trial ahead.
