A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, his wife Asabe Bashir, and their son Abdulaziz Malami in an ongoing money laundering case.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik approved bail for each defendant in the sum of ₦200 million, with two sureties in like sum.
As part of the conditions, one of the sureties must present title documents of property located in either Maitama or Asokoro, both high-profile districts in Abuja. The court also ordered the defendants to surrender their international passports.
Until the bail requirements are met, the defendants will remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case to March 16, 2026, when the trial is expected to begin.
The case stems from an investigation into alleged financial crimes involving the former chief law officer of the federation and members of his family. Malami, his wife, and their son are accused of laundering about ₦8.7 billion through several companies and property acquisitions.
According to prosecutors, the defendants allegedly conspired to conceal illicit funds through corporate entities, including Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited and Meethaq Hotels Limited, and used the proceeds to acquire high-value properties in Abuja and other locations such as Kano and Kebbi states.
Separate Charges
In a related criminal matter, Malami and his son are also facing a five-count charge involving alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.
The prosecution claims that while serving as Attorney General, Malami failed to act on case files related to suspected terrorism financiers submitted to his office in November 2022.
They are also accused of unlawfully possessing a Sturm Magnum firearm and ammunition — including 16 live cartridges and 27 spent cartridges — allegedly recovered from their residence in Birnin Kebbi in December 2025.
The prosecution of the case was recently taken over by the office of the current Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi, from the State Security Service.
The court earlier adjourned the related case until March 10, 2026, to allow the Attorney General’s office review the case files.
Asset Forfeiture Case
Malami is also facing asset recovery proceedings. A Federal High Court had earlier ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties linked to him, reportedly valued at about ₦213 billion.
The cases have sparked political reactions, especially after Malami’s recent move to the African Democratic Congress. Some of his supporters claim the legal actions are politically motivated and linked to his defection from the All Progressives Congress.
The trial in the money laundering case is expected to begin on March 16, 2026, when the court will start hearing evidence from both the prosecution and the defence.
