A Nigerian court has granted bail to former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, his wife and his son as they face multiple money laundering and abuse-of-office charges.
Malami, 58, a key figure in former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration from 2015 to 2023, was charged last month with 16 counts involving an alleged 8.7 billion naira ($6m; £4.5m). He has been in custody since 30 December and has pleaded not guilty to all charges, insisting the case against him is politically motivated.
Ruling on Wednesday, Justice Emeka Nwite said the offences were bailable and set bail at 500 million naira ($350,000; £260,000) for each defendant. The court ordered them to provide two guarantors who own property in specified areas of Abuja and to surrender their travel documents.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges that Malami abused his office to divert public funds, which were then used to acquire a wide range of properties across Nigeria. The anti-graft agency has released a list of assets allegedly linked to the former minister, including hotels, residential buildings, schools, factories, land and a printing press located in Abuja, Kebbi and Kano states.
The revelations have triggered widespread debate about political wealth and corruption in Nigeria. Malami is among several former ministers from the Buhari administration facing corruption allegations, including former aviation minister Hadi Sirika.
Malami, who is married to Buhari’s third child, Nana Hadiza, recently left the ruling All Progressives Congress to join the opposition African Democratic Congress, a move seen as politically significant ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Political analyst Idris Adamu said the prosecution came as a shock, given Malami’s perceived influence while in office. He described the case as a strong signal that even powerful former officials can be held accountable.
The court adjourned the case until 17 February 2025.
