A Federal High Court in Abuja is set to hear the bail application of former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), who is currently in custody at the Kuje Correctional Facility over alleged money laundering offences.
According to Mediaplusng.com, Malami is standing trial alongside his son, Abdulaziz Malami, and one of his wives, Bashir Asabe, following a 16-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The anti-graft agency accuses the defendants of laundering a total sum of ₦8.7 billion.
The trio pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite on December 30, 2025. After taking their pleas, the court ordered that they be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Facility pending the hearing of their bail application.
Mediaplusng.com reports that Justice Nwite fixed January 2, 2026, for the hearing of the written bail application to be argued by Malami’s legal team. The court noted that the remand order was necessary to allow due process while the bail request is properly considered.
The EFCC alleges that the accused persons engaged in multiple financial transactions designed to conceal the origin of the funds, in violation of existing anti-money laundering laws. The commission maintains that the charges are backed by documentary evidence and financial records gathered during its investigation.
Malami, who served as Attorney General under the previous administration, is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a prominent legal figure. His arraignment has continued to attract public attention, given his former role as the nation’s chief law officer and minister of justice.
Legal observers say the outcome of the bail hearing will determine the next phase of the trial, as the court is expected to rule on whether the defendants will be granted temporary freedom pending the full hearing of the case.
Meanwhile, the EFCC has reiterated its commitment to prosecuting corruption cases without fear or favour, stressing that no individual is above the law. The agency says it will continue to pursue the matter in line with legal procedures and judicial timelines.
The case is expected to resume on January 2, 2026, when arguments on the bail application will be presented before the court.
