The Federal High Court in Abuja has set January 7 to deliver judgment on the bail petitions filed by former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami, SAN, his son Abubakar Abdulaziz and his wife Bashir Asabe.
Justice Emeka Enwite set the date on Friday after hearing arguments from the defense led by Joseph Dauddu, SAN, for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the prosecution, represented by Akele Iheanacho of SAN.
The EFCC listed Malami, his wife and son as first, second and third defendants respectively in the case numbered FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025.
The anti-corruption agency alleges that the three engaged in suspicious financial transactions and attempted to conceal the illegal origin of billions of naira through bank accounts and property purchases in Abuja, Kano and Kebbi.
Also read: EFCC charges Malami, wife, son over alleged N8.7bn money laundering
The alleged crimes span from 2015 to 2025, which coincides with Malami's tenure as AGF under the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The EFCC claims that Malami, his wife and son conspired to conceal the source of funds, indirectly acquire assets and retain the proceeds of unlawful activities, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Act 2011 (as amended) and 2022.
It would be recalled that on Tuesday, the court had ordered the remand of Malami, his son and co-defendant Bashir Asabe at Kuze Correctional Center pending the hearing of their bail plea in the money laundering case.
Justice Nwite's order followed an oral bail plea filed by the defendants through their lawyer Joseph Dawdu, SAN.
Also read: Court sends former AGF Malami, son to Kuze jail on remand in money laundering case
The judge stressed that the prosecution should first be given an opportunity to respond to the bail application to ensure a fair trial.
“The interest of justice requires that the prosecution be allowed to present its reply before taking any decision on bail,” the judge said.
He said granting bail without hearing the prosecution would amount to ambush and would violate the prosecution's right to a fair trial.
As a result, the judge ordered that the defendants remain in custody at Kuze Correctional Center and adjourned the case to January 7 for a ruling on their bail applications.
