Court fixes January 7 to rule on Malami ex-AGF, wife, son’s bail

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled January 7 to deliver a ruling on the bail applications filed by Abubakar Malami, SAN, former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), his son Abubakar Abdulaziz, and his wife, Bashir Asabe.

Justice Emeka Nwite set the date on Friday after hearing the submissions of the defence, led by Joseph Daudu, SAN, and the prosecution, represented by Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The EFCC, in the case numbered FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025, listed Malami, his wife, and son as the first, second, and third defendants, respectively.

The anti-graft agency alleges that the trio engaged in suspicious financial transactions and attempted to conceal the illicit origins of billions of naira through bank accounts and property purchases across Abuja, Kano, and Kebbi.

Read also: EFCC arraigns Malami, wife, son over alleged N8.7bn money laundering

The alleged offences span from 2015 to 2025, coinciding with Malami’s tenure as AGF under the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The EFCC claims that Malami, his wife, and son conspired to hide the source of funds, acquire properties indirectly, and retain sums they knew were proceeds of unlawful activities, in breach of the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Acts of 2011 (as amended) and 2022.

It is recalled that on Tuesday, the court ordered the remand of Malami, his son, and co-defendant Bashir Asabe at Kuje Correctional Centre, pending the hearing of their bail application in the money laundering case.

Justice Nwite’s order followed an oral bail application filed by the defendants through Joseph Daudu, SAN, their counsel.

Read also: Court remands Ex AGF Malami, son in Kuje prison in money laundering case

The judge emphasized that the prosecution must first have the opportunity to respond to the bail application to ensure a fair hearing.

“The interest of justice requires that the prosecution be allowed to present its response before any decision on bail is made,” the judge stated.

He added that granting bail without hearing the prosecution would amount to an ambush and violate the prosecution’s right to a fair hearing.

Consequently, the judge ordered that the defendants remain in custody at Kuje Correctional Centre and adjourned the case to January 7 for the ruling on their bail applications.