A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to the immediate past Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN), his son Abdulaziz, and Hajia Bashir Asabe following their arraignment for an alleged ₦8.7 billion money laundering scheme.
The Bail Conditions
In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Justice Emeka Nwite admitted the trio to bail in the sum of ₦500 million each, totaling ₦1.5 billion. Other stringent conditions include:
In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Justice Emeka Nwite admitted the trio to bail in the sum of ₦500 million each, totaling ₦1.5 billion. Other stringent conditions include:
- Sureties: Two sureties per defendant, who must own landed property in the high-brow Abuja districts of Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarimpa.
- Travel Ban: All defendants must deposit their international passports with the court and are barred from traveling abroad without judicial permission.
- Verification: Sureties’ residences and property documents must be verified by the Deputy Chief Registrar.
“Don’t Approach Me for Help” — Judge’s Ultimatum
The proceedings took a dramatic turn when Justice Nwite issued a fierce warning to both defense and prosecution teams regarding judicial integrity.
The proceedings took a dramatic turn when Justice Nwite issued a fierce warning to both defense and prosecution teams regarding judicial integrity.
“When I am handling any case, please don’t approach me,” the judge warned. “I have sworn before Almighty God and man that I am going to do my duty without fear or favour. Any attempt to pervert justice will be vehemently resisted.” He urged the parties to focus on their legal arguments rather than seeking to compromise the court.
The ₦8.7 Billion Charge
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the defendants on a 16-count charge (FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025). The commission alleges that Malami and his co-defendants conspired to disguise the origin of ₦8.7 billion in public funds, acquired properties through proxies, and retained proceeds of unlawful activity.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the defendants on a 16-count charge (FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025). The commission alleges that Malami and his co-defendants conspired to disguise the origin of ₦8.7 billion in public funds, acquired properties through proxies, and retained proceeds of unlawful activity.
Trial Date Set
While the EFCC had opposed the bail, Justice Nwite ruled that the prosecution’s concerns about the defendants fleeing were “speculative.” He emphasized that the primary concern of the court is ensuring the defendants stand trial.
While the EFCC had opposed the bail, Justice Nwite ruled that the prosecution’s concerns about the defendants fleeing were “speculative.” He emphasized that the primary concern of the court is ensuring the defendants stand trial.
The court has adjourned until February 17, 2026, for the formal commencement of the trial.