Crime, Politics

Court Grants N600m Bail to Former Justice Minister Malami, Family Over Alleged N9bn Money Laundering

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 6th, 2026.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Friday admitted former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), to bail in an ongoing money laundering case involving him, his son, and one of his wives.

The court, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, granted each of the three defendants bail in the sum of N200 million, bringing the total bail to N600 million. The ruling requires that each defendant present two sureties who must also provide a bond of the same amount.

Malami is standing trial alongside his son, Abdulaziz, and his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, over allegations that they were involved in laundering approximately N9 billion believed to be public funds.

The defendants had earlier been remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service on February 27 after they were re-arraigned on a 16-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

During proceedings, defence counsel Joseph Daudu (SAN) reminded the court that the defendants had previously been granted bail by Justice Emeka Nwite when the matter was initially heard during a court vacation period.

However, the prosecution counsel for the EFCC, Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), argued that since the defendants had been re-arraigned before a new judge, the court retained the authority to review or revoke the earlier bail arrangement.

Justice Abdulmalik agreed with the prosecution’s position, explaining that the case had effectively begun afreshbefore her court. As a result, she directed the defendants to submit a new bail application, which was eventually granted.

As part of the conditions attached to the bail, the court ordered that one of the sureties must provide title documents for a property located in either Maitama or Asokoro within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The defendants were also directed to deposit their international passports with the court and must not leave Nigeria without obtaining official permission.

Until all the bail requirements are fulfilled, the court ruled that the defendants should remain in the custody of correctional authorities.

According to the EFCC, Malami — who served as Nigeria’s justice minister between November 2015 and May 2023— allegedly acquired high-value properties in several cities including Abuja, Kebbi, and Kano in an attempt to conceal funds believed to be proceeds of illegal activities.

Investigators further claimed that between July 2022 and June 2025, a company identified as Metropolitan Autotech Limited was used to move more than N1.01 billion through an account with Sterling Bank.

The anti-graft agency also alleged that about N600 million was transferred through the same firm between September 2020 and February 2021.

In another aspect of the case, prosecutors stated that the defendants retained N600 million as cash collateral in March 2021 to secure a N500 million loan obtained by Rayhaan Hotels Limited from Sterling Bank, despite allegedly knowing that the money was linked to criminal proceeds.

Authorities argue that these actions violate provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.

Separate from the financial crime allegations, Malami and his son are also facing a five-count charge related to terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms, reportedly filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).

During Friday’s proceedings, the EFCC began presenting its evidence by calling its first witness, David Ojoma, a compliance officer with Sterling Bank.

Ojoma presented 214 pages of financial transaction records detailing inflows and outflows from bank accounts operated by Rayhaan Hotels Limited and Metropolitan Autotech Limited.

While testifying, the witness identified Abdulaziz Malami as the sole signatory to the Rayhaan Hotels account. Another individual, Aliyu Mohammed, was listed as the signatory to the Metropolitan Autotech account.

The witness also informed the court that he could not confirm the specific purposes for many of the payments recorded in the accounts.

Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case to March 16 for the continuation of hearing.