Granted N500m Bail Each in N8.7 Billion Money Laundering Trial
In a landmark judicial proceeding on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted bail to the former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz, and his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe. Presiding judge Justice Emeka Nwite admitted each of the defendants to bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties in like sum.
The trio is currently facing a 16-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), bordering on alleged money laundering and the concealment of proceeds of unlawful activities totaling approximately N8.7 billion. This ruling comes after the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges on December 29, 2025, during which the court ordered their remand at the Kuje and Suleja Correctional Centres.
Strict Bail Conditions and Judicial Warnings
Justice Nwite, in his ruling, dismissed the EFCC’s opposition to the bail application, describing the prosecution’s arguments as “speculative.” However, he imposed stringent conditions to ensure the defendants’ presence throughout the trial.
- Surety Requirements: Each defendant must provide two sureties who are property owners in the high-brow Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarimpa districts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
- Verification Process: The title documents of these properties must be verified by the Deputy Registrar of the court, and the sureties are required to depose to an affidavit of means.
- Travel Restrictions: All defendants must surrender their international passports to the court and are strictly prohibited from traveling outside Nigeria without express judicial permission.
- Remand Status: Until these bail conditions are fully perfected, Malami and his family members will remain in custody at the Kuje and Suleja Correctional Centres.
During the session, Justice Nwite also issued a stern warning against any attempts to interfere with the judicial process. He admonished both legal counsel and litigants to maintain the integrity of the court, stating, “Any attempt to pry my will will be resisted and dealt with.”
Breakdown of the 16-Count Charge
The EFCC’s case against the former AGF involves complex financial transactions allegedly aimed at disguising the origin of illicit funds between 2015 and 2025.
| Count Category | Alleged Transaction / Entity | Key Figures Involved |
|---|---|---|
| Asset Concealment | N1.01 billion via Metropolitan Auto Tech Ltd | Malami & Abdulaziz (Son) |
| Luxury Property | N500m Duplex on Amazon Street, Maitama | Malami, Son & Wife |
| Hotel Deals | N1.04 billion via Meethaq Hotels Ltd | Malami & Family Proxies |
| Real Estate | Property acquisitions in Kano and Kebbi States | Malami & Designated Proxies |
The prosecution alleges that these funds were routed through multiple corporate entities and commercial bank accounts to purchase high-value residential and commercial properties. For instance, the EFCC claims that Hajia Bashir Asabe, listed as an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, conspired with her husband and stepson to conceal the unlawful origin of funds used for luxury real estate in Abuja.
The Road Ahead: Trial Commencement
Following the bail ruling, Abubakar Malami issued a statement via his social media channels, urging the public to remain calm and expressing his continued commitment to the rule of law. The former minister emphasized that he has always respected the authority of the courts and will comply with all lawful directives.
The court has adjourned the matter until February 17, 2026, for the commencement of the trial. As the legal battle unfolds, the outcome will likely have significant implications for the Nigerian political landscape and the ongoing anti-corruption campaign.
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