Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), alongside his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and their son, Abubakar Abdulaziz, arrived in Kebbi State on Thursday night after fulfilling bail conditions totaling ₦1.5 billion imposed by a Federal High Court in Abuja.
The trio returned to the state aboard a private jet, hours after completing the requirements set by the court for their temporary release from custody. Their arrival drew a large crowd of family members and supporters, who welcomed them amid cheers and expressions of solidarity.
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had on Wednesday granted Malami, his wife, and son bail in connection with an ongoing criminal trial instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The court ordered that each defendant be released on a bail bond of ₦500 million, bringing the total bail sum to ₦1.5 billion.
In addition to the financial conditions, the court directed that each of the defendants must present two sureties. The sureties are required to own verified landed property located in highbrow areas of the Federal Capital Territory and must submit title documents for verification by the court.
The court further ordered the sureties to swear affidavits of means, confirming their financial capacity to stand as guarantors for the defendants. Other supporting documents were also mandated as part of the bail compliance process to ensure strict adherence to the court’s conditions.
As part of the bail terms, the court ordered Malami, his wife, and son to deposit their international passports with the court registry. They were also barred from traveling outside Nigeria without prior permission from the court, a measure aimed at ensuring their availability for trial.
The defendants are currently facing trial over allegations of financial crimes brought against them by the EFCC. The charges include alleged money laundering and related offences connected to an alleged ₦8.7 billion bribery and illicit funds scheme.
According to court filings, the case involves a 16-count charge that spans several years. The EFCC alleges that the accused persons were involved in receiving and managing proceeds of unlawful activities during Malami’s tenure as Attorney-General of the Federation.
The defendants have denied all allegations leveled against them. Their legal team has maintained that the charges are unfounded and that they will contest the case vigorously during trial.
Following the completion of their bail process, Malami and his family departed Abuja and arrived in Kebbi State later that same day. Their arrival was marked by a visibly enthusiastic reception from relatives, associates, and political supporters who gathered to welcome them back.
Witnesses at the airport described scenes of jubilation as supporters chanted and expressed confidence in Malami’s eventual vindication. The gathering underscored Malami’s continued influence and political support base within the state.
Malami served as Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice from November 11, 2015, to May 29, 2023. He held the position throughout the eight-year administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
During his time in office, Malami was one of the most prominent figures in Buhari’s cabinet and played a key role in several high-profile legal and anti-corruption matters. His tenure, however, was also marked by controversies and public debates over the handling of certain corruption-related cases.
The EFCC has continued to pursue cases involving former public officials as part of its mandate to combat economic and financial crimes. The agency has stated that no individual is above the law and that investigations and prosecutions will proceed in line with due process.
The trial of Malami, his wife, and son is expected to continue at the Federal High Court in Abuja on a date to be determined by the court. Proceedings will focus on the prosecution’s presentation of evidence and the defense’s response to the allegations.
As the legal process unfolds, the case is expected to attract significant public attention due to Malami’s former position as the nation’s chief law officer and the scale of the alleged financial transactions involved.
