Former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has been granted bail by a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja. The decision comes amidst serious charges filed against him by Nigeria’s primary anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), marking a significant development in a high-profile corruption investigation. Justice Bello Kawu presided over the ruling on Monday, approving the bail conditions previously proposed by the EFCC itself. This interim relief allows Malami to prepare his defence while the legal proceedings continue.
The stringent bail terms require Mr. Malami to surrender his international passport to the court registrar, effectively preventing him from leaving the country during the legal process. Furthermore, he is mandated to execute bail bonds with two reputable sureties. These individuals were identified as the Director-General of the Nigerian Legal Aid Council and a serving member of the House of Representatives, representing the Augie/Argungu Federal Constituency, underscoring the gravity and public interest surrounding the case.
Justice Kawu’s decision to grant bail was explicitly based on grounds of “exceptional hardship,” a legal provision often considered in cases where a defendant demonstrates specific difficulties that would be unduly exacerbated by continued detention. This temporary freedom is granted pending the full hearing and determination of the substantive motion on notice, which will delve deeper into the core allegations. The court has adjourned the matter for further hearing until January 5, 2026, indicating a protracted legal battle ahead.
Abubakar Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), held the powerful position of Attorney-General and Minister of Justice for two consecutive terms under former President Muhammadu Buhari, from 2015 to 2023. His tenure placed him at the apex of Nigeria’s legal and judicial system, overseeing critical aspects of law enforcement and justice administration. The EFCC, established to combat economic and financial crimes, frequently investigates high-ranking government officials, reflecting its crucial role in Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive.
The charges brought by the EFCC are extensive and severe, linking Mr. Malami to alleged financial misconduct and the operation of 46 illegal bank accounts. While specific details of these accounts remain under wraps, the allegations point towards a pattern of undisclosed financial activities during his time in public office. Such accusations, if proven, could carry significant legal penalties and severely damage public trust in institutions.
Among the most sensitive allegations are claims surrounding the repatriation of funds linked to Nigeria’s late military ruler, General Sani Abacha. Billions of dollars looted during Abacha’s regime have been subject to international recovery efforts over decades, with Malami’s ministry playing a central role in recent repatriations. Any suggestion of impropriety regarding these funds touches a raw nerve in Nigeria, given their historical significance and the ongoing debate about their transparent utilisation for public benefit.
In response to the EFCC’s allegations, Mr. Malami has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. Through a statement issued by his media aide, Bello Doka, the former Attorney-General described the accusations as “ridiculous and baseless,” asserting his innocence. This strong rebuttal indicates a firm intent to challenge the charges vigorously through the judicial process.
The statement from Mr. Doka further clarified Malami’s financial affairs, insisting that the former minister operates only six bank accounts, all of which are reportedly known to the anti-graft agency. He categorically denied any connection to any recovered Abacha loot beyond his official capacity or to any other form of financial impropriety currently circulating in the media. These claims set up a direct confrontation with the EFCC’s investigative findings.
With bail now secured, the focus shifts to the distant date of January 5, 2026, when the High Court will finally hear the substantive motion on notice. This hearing is expected to be a pivotal moment, potentially determining the direction and ultimate outcome of the case against the former Justice Minister. The lengthy adjournment highlights the complexities and potential for prolonged litigation in high-profile corruption trials within Nigeria’s legal framework.
The ongoing legal battle involving such a prominent figure underscores Nigeria’s persistent struggle against corruption and the challenges faced by its anti-graft institutions. The public and international community will closely monitor the proceedings, as the case could serve as a litmus test for accountability among former high-ranking officials and the effectiveness of the nation’s judicial system in addressing alleged financial malfeasance at the highest levels of governance.
