Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, in the sum of N500 million pending the commencement of his trial over alleged money laundering offences.
In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, the court ordered Malami to provide two sureties who must each post the same amount. The sureties are required to own landed properties in Maitama, Asokoro, or Gwarimpa areas of Abuja, with documents to be verified by the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court. They are also to depose to affidavits of means.
Justice Nwite further directed Malami to surrender his travel documents to the court and barred him from leaving the country without express permission. Malami and his sureties are also to submit two recent passport photographs each. Pending the fulfillment of these bail conditions, the former minister was ordered to be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
The court fixed February 17 for the commencement of trial. Similar bail terms were extended to Malami’s son, Abdulaziz Malami, and an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, Hajia Asabe Bashir.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had opposed the bail application, citing concerns that Malami could flee the country or interfere with witnesses due to his influence and international connections. However, Justice Nwite dismissed the objections, describing them as speculative and unsupported by evidence.
The judge held that the interest of justice would be served by granting bail, noting that the Constitution presumes Malami innocent despite the charges. Malami and his co-defendants are facing a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy and concealment of proceeds of unlawful activities allegedly running into billions of naira.
Do you think the bail amount is too high or fair? Lets discuss! #moneylaundering #Malami #courtdecision 🤔
I cant believe the amount of bail money being granted in these high-profile cases. Its mind-boggling! Justice system is truly mysterious sometimes.
Do you think the bail amount granted to Malami is fair considering the seriousness of the alleged money laundering? Lets discuss!
Wow, cant believe the bail amount! Do you think its fair or too lenient given the seriousness of the allegations?
Do you think the bail amount is fair or too lenient considering the seriousness of the alleged crime? 🤔
Wow, cant believe Malami got bail for N500m! Shouldnt the punishment be harsher for alleged money laundering of N9bn? 🤔