Federal High Court Grants ₦200m Bail to Ex‑AGF Malami, Wife and Son in ₦8.7bn Money Laundering Case
The Federal High Court, Abuja Division, has admitted former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, his wife, Asabe Bashir, and their son, Abdulaziz Malami, to bail in an ongoing money laundering prosecution.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted bail to each defendant in the sum of ₦200 million, with two sureties in like sum. One surety is required to deposit title deeds of property situated in Maitama or Asokoro, while the defendants must surrender their international passports to the court. Pending compliance with these conditions, they remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The matter, which involves allegations of laundering approximately ₦8.7 billion through corporate entities and property acquisitions, has been adjourned to 16 March 2026 for trial commencement. The defendants are alleged to have concealed illicit funds through companies including Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited and Meethaq Hotels Limited, with proceeds used to acquire high‑value properties in Abuja, Kano, and Kebbi.
In a related criminal proceeding, Malami and his son face a five‑count charge bordering on terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms. Allegations include failure to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers in 2022 and possession of a Sturm Magnum firearm with ammunition discovered in Birnin Kebbi in December 2025. That case, now prosecuted by the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has been adjourned to 10 March 2026.
Malami’s legal troubles also extend to asset recovery proceedings, with a prior interim forfeiture order against 57 properties valued at about ₦213 billion. His recent defection to the African Democratic Congress has generated political commentary, with supporters alleging the prosecutions are politically motivated.
The trial in the money laundering case is scheduled to open on 16 March 2026, with the prosecution and defence set to present evidence before Justice Abdulmalik.
