Court Grants Malami, Son N200m Bail in Terrorism Financing Case; Remands Ex-AGF, Family Over N8.7bn Fraud Charge
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday admitted former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and his son, Abdulaziz, to bail in the sum of N200 million each over alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, ruling on their separate bail applications, held that the primary purpose of bail is to ensure the defendants’ attendance in court for trial. She ordered that each defendant provide two sureties in like sum.
The court further directed that one of the sureties must own a developed property in Maitama or Asokoro, Abuja, and deposit the title deed with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court.
Fresh Arraignment, Remand Order
In a related development, the same court remanded Malami, his wife, Asabe, and their son in correctional custody following their re-arraignment on an alleged N8.7 billion fraud charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Justice Abdulmalik ordered that Malami and his son be returned to Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, while his wife was remanded at Suleja Correctional Centre in Niger State, after taking their pleas in the fresh charge.
The remand marks a setback for the former AGF, who had earlier secured bail in the same court.
His counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), reminded the court that Justice Emeka Nwite had, on January 7, granted Malami, his wife, and son bail in the sum of ₦500 million each, subject to stringent conditions, including the submission of landed property documents and international passports.
Further proceedings in both matters are expected to continue on dates to be fixed by the court.