Amanze Chinonye
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the hearing and ruling on the bail applications filed by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), his son, Abdulaziz Malami, and one of his wives, Bashir Asabe, to January 7, 2026.
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The defendants are facing a 16-count charge brought by the EFCC, involving alleged money laundering totaling ₦8,713,923,759.49 (Eight Billion, Seven Hundred and Thirteen Million, Nine Hundred and Twenty-Three Thousand, Seven Hundred and Fifty-Nine Naira, Forty-Nine Kobo).
The charges include conspiracy, procuring, disguising, concealing, and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities, in contravention of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
At Friday’s resumed hearing, prosecution counsel Ekele Iheanacho (SAN) informed the court that the session was set to address the defendants’ bail applications. Defence counsel Joseph Daudu (SAN) responded that the prosecution had just served a counter affidavit, which necessitated time to examine and respond.
The defence subsequently filed a 28 to 30-paragraph counter affidavit challenging the continued detention of the defendants.
READ ALSO : Malami, Wife, Son Denied Bail, Remanded in Kuje Prison Till January 2
The court, after reviewing submissions from both sides and following procedural clarifications, struck out one application and granted another upon the defence counsel’s request.
Moving the bail applications, Daudu requested that Malami be admitted to bail on self-recognisance, while his son and wife be granted bail on liberal terms. He cited supporting affidavits: a 36-paragraph affidavit for Malami, a 28-paragraph affidavit for Asabe, and a 39-paragraph affidavit for Malami’s son, each backed with annexures and written addresses filed in December 2025.
The EFCC reiterated that the prosecution is proceeding within the ambit of the law, emphasizing that the court has fixed January 7 for the decision on bail, and until then, the defendants will remain in custody at Kuje Correctional Centre.
This development follows the defendants’ earlier not guilty plea to all charges during their arraignment on December 29, 2025, and the ongoing EFCC investigation into alleged large-scale laundering of public funds.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
