A Nigerian court has granted bail to former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, along with his wife and son, who are facing money laundering and abuse of office charges totaling 8.7 billion naira ($6 million).
Malami, 58, a key figure in former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration (2015–2023), has been in detention since 30 December. He pleaded not guilty to all 16 charges and previously described his arrest as politically motivated.
In court on Wednesday, Judge Emeka Nwite ruled the offences bailable, setting bail at 500 million naira ($350,000) per defendant. The family must provide two guarantors with property in specified parts of Abuja and surrender their travel documents.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges Malami used his office to divert government funds to acquire high-value properties across Abuja, Kebbi, and Kano, including hotels, residential buildings, schools, factories, land, and a printing press. The release of the property list sparked national debate over politicians’ wealth.
Political analyst Idris Adamu described the prosecution as a sign that “no one is above the law,” highlighting the former minister’s previously perceived invulnerability.
The case has been adjourned to 17 February 2025.