A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), his wife, Hajia Asabe Bashir, and their son, Abdulaziz Malami, bail of ₦500 million each over alleged financial misconduct.
Eko Hot News reports that Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the ruling in the case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the defendants.
The defendants are facing a 16-count charge bordering on alleged financial impropriety involving approximately ₦8.7 billion, which they denied by pleading not guilty before the court.
In granting bail, Justice Nwite ordered that each defendant must provide two sureties in like sum to guarantee their appearance throughout the trial.
The court ruled that the sureties must own verifiable landed property within Abuja highbrow districts, including Maitama, Asokoro, or Gwarimpa.
Justice Nwite further directed that all property documents submitted by the sureties be verified by the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court.
The court mandated the sureties to swear affidavits of means, confirming their financial capability to meet the bail obligations if required.
As part of the bail conditions, Abubakar Malami was ordered to surrender his international passport to the court registry.
The court also restrained the former Attorney General from travelling outside Nigeria without prior judicial approval.
Each of the defendants and their sureties was instructed to submit two recent passport photographs to complete the bail documentation process.
Pending the fulfilment of all bail conditions, Justice Nwite ordered that Malami be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
The court stated that the remaining defendants would remain in custody until all bail requirements are fully perfected.
Justice Nwite adjourned the matter to February 17, 2026, for the commencement of full trial proceedings.
At the trial, the prosecution is expected to present witnesses and documentary evidence in support of the charges.
Legal analysts say the stringent bail terms reflect the gravity of the allegations and the court’s determination to ensure compliance.
The case has continued to draw public attention due to Malami’s former role as Nigeria’s chief law officer.
The Federal High Court reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent judicial process.
