Nigerian Court Grants Bail to Former Attorney General in Multi-Million Dollar Corruption Case
ABUJA, Nigeria — A Nigerian court has granted bail to former Attorney General and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, along with his wife and son, who are facing money-laundering charges involving an alleged diversion of public funds.
Malami, a key figure in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, has been held in prison since December 30. He stands accused of diverting approximately $6 million in public money, which prosecutors allege was used to acquire high-value properties in the capital, Abuja, and other cities.
In a significant parallel ruling, the court ordered the temporary seizure of 57 properties believed to be linked to the former minister. The assets, estimated to be worth about $150 million, will be held by the state pending the outcome of the trial.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja set bail at $350,000 for each of the three defendants. The bail comes with stringent conditions, including the provision of reputable guarantors and the surrender of all their international travel documents to the court registry.
Malami has consistently denied all charges, labeling them as politically motivated. His defense claims the prosecution is a result of his defection last year from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria’s main anti-graft agency, brought the charges following an extensive investigation. The case is being closely watched as a test of Nigeria’s judicial resolve in tackling high-profile corruption, especially among former top officials.
The case has been adjourned, with proceedings expected to resume in the coming weeks.
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