Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, bail of N200 million pending trial over N8.7 billion money laundering charges brought by the federal government.
Malami and his co-defendants are required to produce two sureties each, with each surety standing in a similar sum. The sureties must own verified landed properties in Maitama or Asokoro, and submit affidavits of means. Their property documents will be confirmed by the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Court.
The court also mandated that the defendants deposit their travel documents and recent passport photographs and prohibited any travel outside Nigeria without court approval. Meanwhile, Malami and his son have been remanded in Kuje Prison, while his wife is held in Suleja Prison, pending the fulfillment of bail conditions.
Justice Abdulmalik has scheduled March 16 for the commencement of the trial. The bail application was argued by Joseph Daudu SAN on behalf of the defendants, while Jibrin Okutepa SAN, representing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), did not oppose the request.
Previously, Justice Emeka Nwite had granted Malami N500 million bail as a vacation judge, but the matter restarted afresh under Justice Abdulmalik. The EFCC filed a 16-count money laundering charge against Malami, his son, and his wife, who are all currently awaiting trial.
