Abuja, Nigeria — January 2, 2026
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has adjourned the hearing on the bail applications of former Attorney‑General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, his son Abdulaziz Malami, and one of his wives, Bashir Asabe, to January 7, 2026.
The decision was made on Friday after legal teams for both the defence and the prosecution presented their respective arguments regarding the defendants’ request to be granted bail. Justice Emeka Nwite, presiding over the case, fixed the new date for a ruling on the bail application to allow more time for consideration.
Malami, a senior advocate of Nigeria, and his co‑defendants are currently being held at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja. They were remanded in custody following their arraignment on December 29, 2025, when they pleaded not guilty to a 16‑count charge of alleged money laundering and related offences brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
What the Court Heard
During Friday’s proceedings, defence counsel filed and adopted written bail processes while the prosecution filed counter‑affidavits opposing the application. The government argued that granting bail could pose risks, including potential interference with witnesses and evidence.
The defence maintained that granting bail is a legal right and argued that it would enable the defendants to better participate in their defence. However, after hearing submissions from both sides, the judge concluded that further deliberation was necessary, resulting in the January 7 adjournment.
Background of the Case
The EFCC’s charges against the trio allege that between 2015 and 2025, Malami and his associates engaged in schemes to conceal, disguise, and retain proceeds of unlawful activities — including hundreds of millions of naira funneled through corporate entities, multiple bank accounts, and real estate transactions.
Among the allegations are claims that the defendants used companies such as Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited and Meethaq Hotels Limited to hide and launder funds, and that some of these alleged proceeds were used to purchase high‑value properties in Abuja and other locations.
The next court sitting on January 7, 2026 will determine whether the defendants will be granted bail or continue their detention pending further trial proceedings.
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