By Taiye Agbaje
Abuja, Jan. 2, 2025 – The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned to January 7, 2025, to deliver its ruling on the bail applications filed by former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN; his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe; and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami.
Justice Emeka Nwite fixed the date after hearing arguments from both the defense and prosecution legal teams. The defense, led by Joseph Daudu, SAN, and the prosecution for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), led by Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, adopted their written processes and presented their final oral submissions.
The defendants are facing a 10-count charge of money laundering (FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025) brought by the EFCC. The charges allege a complex scheme involving “various suspicious transactions” and the attempted concealment of the origin of billions of Naira. The alleged methods include the use of multiple bank accounts and the acquisition of high-value properties in Abuja, Kano, and Kebbi State.
The prosecution’s case hinges on the period between 2015 and 2025, which notably encompasses the entirety of Malami’s tenure as the nation’s chief law officer under former President Muhammadu Buhari. The EFCC alleges that the defendants conspired to disguise the illicit origin of funds, acquire property indirectly, and retain proceeds they knew to be derived from unlawful activities.
The specific laws cited are the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Acts of 2011 (as amended) and 2022. Convictions under these acts carry severe penalties, including lengthy imprisonment and the forfeiture of assets linked to the crimes.
The court’s upcoming ruling on bail is a critical procedural juncture. In Nigerian jurisprudence, bail is a constitutional right but is not automatic, especially in cases involving serious financial crimes. The judge will weigh factors such as the gravity of the charges, the likelihood of the defendants appearing for trial, the potential for interference with witnesses or evidence, and the strength of the prosecution’s case. The decision will signal the court’s initial assessment of the case’s severity and the perceived flight risk of the accused.
This case is being closely watched as a significant test of Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework, given the high-profile status of the principal defendant. A former AGF standing trial for financial crimes presents a profound moment for accountability, potentially setting a powerful precedent for the prosecution of politically exposed persons. The outcome of the bail hearing will set the immediate tone for what is expected to be a protracted and highly scrutinized legal battle.
This report is based on information from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Further details on the specific properties and transactions alleged, as well as the defense’s counter-arguments, will be provided as the case progresses.
