In a major development in the ongoing high-profile case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted him and his family members bail under stringent conditions. Malami, along with his son, Abdulaziz, has been granted bail set at ₦1 billion, while his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, also a defendant in the case, was granted bail of ₦500 million. The decision was handed down by Justice Emeka Nwite, who emphasized strict compliance with all bail requirements before the defendants can enjoy their freedom outside custody.
As part of the conditions, each defendant is required to present two sureties who must each own landed property within key districts of the Federal Capital Territory, specifically Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarinpa. The title documents for these properties must be submitted to the court to verify ownership, ensuring that the sureties meet the necessary legal criteria to vouch for the defendants. This measure is aimed at guaranteeing that the defendants remain within the jurisdiction of the court while the trial continues.
In addition to property-related sureties, the court mandated that the defendants surrender their international passports to prevent any risk of fleeing the country. The sureties themselves are also required to provide two recent passport photographs and depose to an affidavit of means, confirming their financial capacity and credibility in acting as guarantors. Justice Nwite warned explicitly that any attempt to leave the country without prior court approval would constitute a breach of bail conditions and could result in immediate rearrest.
The court further directed that until all the stipulated bail conditions are fully met and verified, the defendants will remain in custody. This ensures that the bail process is not treated lightly and highlights the seriousness with which the judiciary is approaching this case. The trial has been adjourned to February 17, 2026, for continuation, maintaining the spotlight on this ongoing legal matter that has captured national attention.
The case centers on allegations that Malami accumulated assets valued at over ₦200 billion through major financial transactions and dealings during his tenure as Attorney-General between 2015 and 2023. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) traced these assets and linked a substantial portion of the wealth to questionable activities during his term, prompting the legal proceedings. The bail ruling comes amid intense public scrutiny, with many Nigerians closely following updates on compliance with the court’s strict requirements.
With bail now granted under these strict conditions, the Malami family is expected to strictly adhere to all legal requirements, including the verification of sureties’ properties, surrender of passports, and adherence to court orders, ahead of the next court sitting. The judiciary has made it clear that any failure to comply fully could result in immediate revocation of bail and return to custody, keeping public interest and accountability at the forefront of the proceedings.
The matter continues to dominate national discourse, as citizens, legal experts, and the media continue to monitor developments in the case, given its implications on governance, accountability, and transparency in public office. All eyes remain on the Federal High Court as it prepares to continue hearing the case in February, with expectations that further revelations and legal arguments will emerge regarding the alleged accumulation of wealth and financial conduct during Malami’s tenure as Attorney-General.