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Bail granted to Nigeria's former top law officer
A Nigerian court has released former Attorney General Abubakar Malami on bail, along with his wife and son, after they were charged with money laundering involving 8.7 billion naira ($6 million).
Charges and detention
Malami, 58, faces 16 counts of money laundering and abuse of office. He was taken into custody on 30 December and has been held in prison since. In court, he entered a not-guilty plea and previously claimed his arrest was politically driven.
Bail conditions set
Presiding Judge Emeka Nwite ruled on Wednesday that the charges were bailable. Each defendant must post 500 million naira ($350,000) and provide two guarantors who own property in designated areas of Abuja. They must also surrender their travel documents to the court.
Allegations of corruption
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges Malami misused his position to divert public funds, which were then used to purchase properties across Nigeria. A recent EFCC list details assets allegedly linked to him, including hotels, residential buildings, schools, factories, land parcels, and a printing press in Abuja, Kebbi, and Kano states.
The scale of these properties has sparked national debate about the wealth of Nigerian politicians.
Political shift and reactions
Malami, married to former President Muhammadu Buhari's third child, Nana Hadiza, recently left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the opposition African Democratic Congress, a key rival in the upcoming 2027 elections.
"Seeing Malami being taken to Kuje prison last month felt surreal. This was a man who wielded immense power under Buhari," said political analyst Idris Adamu.
Idris Adamu, Political Analyst
Adamu added that the prosecution sends a message that "no one is above the law, even a former justice minister."
Next steps
The case has been adjourned until 17 February 2025, with proceedings expected to resume then.
