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Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has been granted interim bail by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja. The significant ruling, delivered on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, by Justice Bello Kawu, pertains to an ongoing investigation involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This development marks a pivotal moment in a high-profile case that has drawn considerable public attention, given Malami’s influential past role within the Nigerian government.
Presiding over Motion No. M/17220/2025, Justice Kawu stipulated that the conditions for Malami’s temporary release from custody would align with those previously set by the EFCC. These stringent terms include the mandatory surrender of his international passport to the court registrar, a common measure in cases involving prominent individuals to mitigate the risk of flight and ensure continued cooperation with legal proceedings. This step underscores the court’s commitment to maintaining judicial oversight.
Furthermore, the bail arrangement necessitates that Malami execute bail bonds, which must be secured by two credible sureties. The court specifically identified these individuals as the Director-General of the Nigerian Legal Aid Council and a currently serving member of the House of Representatives, representing the Augie/Argungu Federal Constituency. The involvement of such high-ranking public officials as sureties highlights the gravity of the allegations and the public interest inherent in the investigation of a former federal minister.
The court’s decision also involved the review and reactivation of previously established bail conditions, which Malami had initially fulfilled on November 28, 2025. These earlier conditions similarly mandated the provision of two sureties and the surrender of his international passport. The reactivation of these terms suggests a continuity in the legal process and reflects the court’s consistent application of its requirements throughout the evolving stages of the case.
Justice Kawu granted the interim bail on grounds of “exceptional hardship,” a legal provision that allows for temporary release from custody under specific, compelling circumstances. This decision is pending the full hearing and determination of the substantive motion on notice, which will address the core allegations. The court’s consideration of individual hardship aims to balance the rights of the accused with the broader demands of justice and the need for thorough investigation.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nigeria’s foremost anti-graft agency, has been at the vanguard of the nation’s efforts to combat financial impropriety and corruption among public office holders. Its decision to investigate Malami, a figure who once held the nation’s highest legal office, sends a potent message about the agency’s resolve to pursue accountability across all levels of government, irrespective of an individual’s past influence or position.
Abubakar Malami’s tenure as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice spanned several years, placing him at the epicentre of critical legal and policy decisions within Nigeria. His portfolio encompassed a wide array of responsibilities, from advising the President on legal matters to overseeing the country’s justice sector. An investigation by the EFCC into such a prominent former official inevitably attracts intense public and international scrutiny, raising questions about governance and the rule of law.
Legal experts and political observers are closely monitoring the developments, understanding that while interim bail provides temporary relief, it does not signify an end to the substantive legal challenges. It is a procedural step designed to allow the accused to adequately prepare their defence, upholding the fundamental principle of the presumption of innocence until guilt is proven beyond reasonable doubt. The progression of such a case is often viewed as a litmus test for the strength and impartiality of a nation’s judicial system.
The FCT High Court has scheduled the next hearing for January 5, 2026. On this crucial date, the court is slated to hear the substantive motion on notice, which is expected to delve deeper into the specific allegations brought against Malami by the EFCC. This upcoming session is anticipated to provide further clarity on the legal trajectory of the case and its potential implications for the former Attorney-General.
The broader context of anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria often involves intricate legal battles and prolonged judicial processes. Cases against high-ranking officials typically navigate complex legal frameworks, facing public expectations for swift justice alongside strict adherence to due process. Malami’s case is thus positioned within a larger narrative of Nigeria’s ongoing struggle against corruption and its commitment to legal reforms.
