FORMER ATTORNEY GENERAL MALAMI REMANDED IN PRISON UNTIL 2026 FOR BAIL HEARING

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and two others in prison until January 2, 2026, for their bail hearing. The ruling followed an oral bail application by Joseph Daudu (SAN), counsel for Malami, his son Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and an associate, Asabe Bashir. The trio are facing 16-count charges of alleged money laundering, concealment of illicit funds, and unlawful acquisition of assets valued at over ₦1.014 billion.

In a brief ruling, Justice Nwite held that the defense counsel could not pursue both oral and written applications for bail. “Counsel for the defendants cannot have both oral and written applications for bail, in the interest of fair hearing,” Justice Nwite stated.

Counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ekele Iheanacho (SAN), informed the court that he received Malami’s written bail application at 8pm on Monday and required time to study it. “I received the application from Malami’s counsel at 8pm on Monday. I will require some time to study the document and file an appropriate reply,” Iheanacho said.

Consequently, the court set January 2, 2026, for the bail hearing, affording Malami’s legal team the opportunity to secure his bail. Malami and his son will be remanded at the Kuje Prison, while Asabe Bashir will be held at the Suleja prison.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges. They are accused of handling, transferring, and concealing funds suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities. Investigators traced ₦1.014 billion to a Sterling Bank account linked to the transactions.

EFCC filings further allege that Malami laundered billions to acquire properties in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and other locations. Assets valued at approximately ₦212.8 billion have allegedly been traced to him and his associates.

Malami served as Attorney General for eight years under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

A member of Malami’s legal team, Adedayo Adedeji SAN, was also noted in the information provided.