Court Sets Jan 7 for Bail Ruling in Malami Family Money Laundering Case

ABUJA, Nigeria — A Federal High Court in the nation’s capital has scheduled January 7 to decide whether former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, his wife, and son will be granted bail in an ongoing money laundering prosecution.

Justice Emeka Nwite fixed the date last Friday after lawyers for the defendants and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission concluded their arguments. The anti-graft agency is prosecuting Malami, his wife Bashir Asabe, and son Abubakar Abdulaziz on charges of concealing the illicit origin of billions of naira.

The Charges and Alleged Timeline

The case, filed under charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025, accuses the trio of orchestrating suspicious financial transactions and acquiring properties to disguise funds allegedly obtained unlawfully. These acquisitions are spread across Abuja, Kano, and Kebbi States.

According to the EFCC’s allegations, the financial infractions occurred between 2015 and 2025. This decade-long period notably includes Malami’s service as the nation’s top law officer under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The charges are brought under the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Acts of 2011 and 2022.

Legal Proceedings and Next Steps

During the recent hearing, senior advocates Joseph Daudu and Ekele Iheanacho presented arguments for the defense and prosecution, respectively. The court has now adjourned specifically to consider the merits of the bail applications.

Consequently, the ruling scheduled for next week represents a pivotal moment early in this closely watched legal battle. The decision will determine if the defendants await trial from custody or on bail, setting the tone for a case that has attracted significant public interest due to the high-profile status of the individuals involved.