A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, his wife Asabe Bashir, and their son Abdulaziz Malami in an ongoing money laundering trial.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted each of the defendants bail in the sum of ₦200 million with two sureties in like sum.

As part of the bail conditions, the court ordered that one of the sureties must deposit title documents of properties located in either Maitama or Asokoro, both highbrow districts of Abuja.

The court also directed the defendants to deposit their international passports with the court. Pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions, Malami, his wife and their son are to remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service.

Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter until March 16, 2026, for the commencement of trial.

Alleged ₦8.7bn Laundering

The case forms part of investigations into alleged financial crimes involving the former chief law officer of the federation and members of his family.

Prosecutors allege that Malami, alongside his wife and son, laundered about ₦8.7 billion through a network of companies and property acquisitions.

According to the charges before the court, the defendants allegedly concealed illicit funds through corporate entities including Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited and Meethaq Hotels Limited.

The prosecution further claims that the funds were used to acquire high-value properties in Abuja, as well as in Kano State and Kebbi State.

The case was recently reassigned to Justice Abdulmalik after earlier judges handling the matter withdrew or transferred the file.

Terrorism Financing, Firearms Charges

In a separate but related criminal case, Malami and his son are also facing a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.

Prosecutors claim that while serving as Attorney General, Malami allegedly failed to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were forwarded to his office in November 2022.

They are also accused of unlawful possession of a Sturm Magnum firearm, along with 16 live cartridges and 27 expended cartridges, allegedly recovered from their residence in Birnin Kebbi in December 2025.

The prosecution of the case was recently taken over by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, from the State Security Service on March 4, 2026.

The court had earlier adjourned that matter until March 10, 2026 to allow the Attorney General’s office review the case files.

Asset Forfeiture Proceedings

Malami’s legal troubles also extend to asset recovery proceedings. A Federal High Court had earlier ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties linked to the former minister, reportedly valued at about ₦213 billion.

The cases have sparked political reactions, particularly following Malami’s recent defection to the African Democratic Congress.

Some of his supporters claim the legal actions are politically motivated, alleging they are connected to his defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The trial in the money laundering case is expected to begin on March 16, 2026, when the court will begin hearing evidence from both the prosecution and defence.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed that more than 100 senior lawyers in Nigeria are currently facing prosecution for alleged corruption and financial crimes.

The disclosure was made by the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, during the second annual lecture of the Body of Benchers held in Abuja, where key stakeholders in the legal profession gathered to discuss ethics and accountability in the justice system.

According to the anti-graft agency, investigations and petitions submitted to the commission revealed that several senior members of the Nigerian Bar were allegedly involved in corruption-related offences. These offences include diversion of clients’ funds, aiding money laundering, and other financial crimes.

Olukoyede said a review of the EFCC’s records showed that the agency is currently prosecuting about 100 senior lawyers across different courts in the country. He noted that the cases highlight growing concerns about ethical violations within the legal profession.

The EFCC chairman stressed the need for stronger collaboration between anti-corruption agencies and the legal profession to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system. He warned that corruption within the legal profession could undermine public confidence in the rule of law.

The disclosure comes amid broader efforts to enforce professional discipline within the legal community. Recently, the Body of Benchers also sanctioned several lawyers for professional misconduct, reinforcing calls for greater accountability and ethical standards in the legal profession.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has clarified that the drug trafficking case against suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari is still ongoing despite his recent discharge in a separate court case.

The agency said the substantive drug-related charges remain before Emeka Nwite, a judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, with the next hearing scheduled for March 16, 2026.

The clarification follows a ruling by James Omotosho, who discharged Kyari in a 23-count charge involving alleged money laundering and non-declaration of assets.

According to the NDLEA, the decision relates to a different case and should not be interpreted as an acquittal of the suspended police officer in the drug trafficking allegations filed against him.

NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said the agency issued the clarification to prevent confusion about the status of the drug case.

He explained that the prosecution team had been directed to obtain the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment before deciding on the next legal step.

“First, I need to clarify that the ruling by Justice Omotosho is completely different from the main and substantive drug case which continues before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, March 16, 2026. That one is very much on course,” Babafemi said.

He added that once the Certified True Copy of the judgment is obtained, the agency’s legal team will review it and advise the NDLEA leadership on whether to appeal the ruling.

The development underscores the ongoing legal battles facing Kyari, as the anti-narcotics agency maintains that it will continue to pursue the drug trafficking charges through the courts.