A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted bail to former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, alongside his wife, Asabe Bashir, and their son, Abdulaziz Malami, in an ongoing money laundering case.
Presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, approved bail for each of the three defendants in the sum of ₦200 million with two sureties in like sum.
As part of the bail conditions, the court ordered that one of the sureties must provide a title deed to a property located in either Maitama or Asokoro—two of Abuja’s most exclusive districts. The defendants were also directed to deposit their international passports with the court.
Pending the fulfillment of these conditions, Malami, his wife, and their son will remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter until March 16, 2026, when the court is expected to begin hearing evidence as the trial formally commences.
The case stems from an investigation into alleged financial crimes involving the former chief law officer of the federation and members of his family. Prosecutors allege that Malami and his co-defendants were involved in laundering approximately ₦8.7 billion through a network of companies and property transactions.
According to the charges before the court, the defendants allegedly conspired to conceal illicit funds using corporate entities, including Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited and Meethaq Hotels Limited. The prosecution further claims the funds were used to acquire several high-value properties in Abuja and other parts of the country, including Kano and Kebbi states.
The matter was recently reassigned to Justice Abdulmalik after previous judges handling the case recused themselves or transferred the file.
Separate Charges: Terrorism Financing and Firearms Possession
In a separate but related criminal proceeding, Malami and his son are facing a five-count charge involving allegations of terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.
Among the accusations is a claim that while serving as Attorney General, Malami allegedly failed to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were submitted to his office in November 2022.
The pair are also accused of unlawful possession of a Sturm Magnum firearm and ammunition, including 16 live cartridges and 27 expended cartridges reportedly recovered during a search of their residence in Birnin Kebbi in December 2025.
Prosecution of this case was recently taken over by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, on March 4, 2026, following a transfer from the State Security Service.
The court had earlier adjourned proceedings in that matter until March 10, 2026, to allow the Attorney General’s office time to review the case files.
Asset Forfeiture and Political Reactions
Malami’s legal challenges have also extended to asset recovery proceedings. Earlier in 2026, a Federal High Court ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties linked to the former minister, reportedly valued at approximately ₦213 billion.
The cases have sparked political debate, particularly after Malami’s recent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Some of his supporters have claimed the legal actions against him are politically motivated, alleging they are connected to his departure from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The court is expected to commence full trial proceedings in the money laundering case on March 16, when both the prosecution and defence will begin presenting their evidence.
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