Abuja — Nigeria’s former Attorney General and Justice Minister, Abubakar Malami, has been granted bail by the Federal High Court in Abuja as he awaits trial over money laundering allegations involving billions of naira.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed in a statement early Wednesday that Malami, alongside his wife and son, was granted N1.5 billion bail pending the conclusion of their trial.
The trio is accused of laundering offenses to the tune of N8.7 billion, approximately $6 million, in what has become one of the most high-profile corruption cases involving officials from former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. 
The Federal High Court in Abuja was under heavy security ahead of Malami’s court appearance, an AFP reporter observed.
Malami, who served as Nigeria’s attorney general and justice minister between November 2015 and May 2023 under the Buhari administration, appeared in court on December 30 alongside his wife and son. All three pleaded not guilty to the allegations brought against them by the anti-corruption agency.
According to the EFCC, they are accused of “conspiracy, procuring, disguising, concealing, and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities.” The charges suggest a coordinated effort to hide the origins of funds allegedly obtained through illegal means, offenses that carry severe penalties under Nigeria’s anti-money laundering laws.
As part of the bail conditions, Malami, his wife, and their son must hand over their international passports to the court. The EFCC statement also clarified that the three accused will remain in prison custody until the N1.5 billion bail is fully paid.
The case has been adjourned until February 17, 2025, when proceedings are expected to continue. Legal observers say the bail amount is one of the highest set in recent corruption cases involving public officials, reflecting the gravity of the allegations and the amount of money involved.
Abubakar Malami is the latest high-ranking official from the Buhari administration to face trial for fraud and corruption-related offenses. Though former President Muhammadu Buhari personally maintained a reputation for austerity and made anti-corruption a cornerstone of his campaign promises, government corruption remained deeply entrenched throughout his administration.
Several key figures who served under Buhari are now facing similar legal battles. Former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele is currently standing trial over allegations of fraud and abuse of office. He has been in and out of court since his controversial arrest shortly after the Buhari administration ended.
Chris Ngige, who served as Minister of Labour and Employment, is also facing corruption charges in court. The wave of prosecutions has raised questions about accountability and the extent of financial misconduct during the previous administration.
Nigeria continues to struggle with systemic corruption despite multiple government promises to tackle the issue. According to the World Bank’s 2023 assessment, Nigeria ranked 35th from the bottom on the list of countries measured by their control of corruption, highlighting the country’s persistent challenges in curbing graft and ensuring accountability among public officials.
The prosecution of high-profile figures like Malami is seen by many Nigerians as a test of the current administration’s commitment to fighting corruption without fear or favor. President Bola Tinubu, who took office in May 2023, has pledged to strengthen anti-corruption institutions and ensure that no one, regardless of status, is above the law.
With the case adjourned until mid-February, all eyes will be on the Federal High Court as the hearings continue. Legal analysts expect the trial to be closely watched, given Malami’s former position as the nation’s chief law officer and his role in several controversial legal decisions during his tenure.
The outcome of this case could have a significant impact on how corruption cases involving former government officials are handled in Nigeria, as well as whether the country can make meaningful progress in its anti-graft fight. For now, Abubakar Malami and his family await their next court date, their freedom contingent on meeting the stringent bail conditions set by the court.
