A Nigerian court has allowed the release on bail of former attorney general Abubakar Malami, his wife and their son, as they face money laundering and abuse of office charges linked to billions of naira in public funds.
Malami, aged 58, appeared in court after spending more than a week in custody following his arrest late last month. He is accused of using his former position to unlawfully benefit from government funds amounting to 8.7 billion naira, roughly six million dollars.
The former justice minister has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
During the hearing on Wednesday, the court heard that Malami and his family members are facing a total of 16 counts related to money laundering and abuse of office.
The charges stem from his time in office under former President Muhammadu Buhari, where he served as one of the most powerful figures in government between 2015 and 2023.
Presiding judge Emeka Nwite ruled that the offences brought before the court were bailable. He ordered that each of the defendants be released upon posting bail of 500 million naira.
The judge also directed that they must each present two guarantors who own property in specified areas of Abuja and hand over their travel documents to the court.
Malami has been held at Kuje prison since December 30. Following his arraignment, he told the court that the case against him was politically driven. His arrest came shortly after he left the ruling All Progressives Congress to join the African Democratic Congress, which is widely seen as a major challenger to the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general election.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission told the court that Malami abused his position to divert state funds, which were later used to purchase several high-value properties.
According to the anti-graft agency, the assets include hotels, residential houses, schools, factories, land and a printing press.
The commission recently made public a list of properties it says are linked to the former minister. The assets are located in Abuja as well as in Kebbi and Kano states. The disclosure sparked a nationwide debate over the wealth accumulated by senior public officials.
Malami is not the only former cabinet member from the Buhari administration facing corruption charges. Another senior figure, Hadi Sirika, who previously led the aviation ministry, has also been accused of corruption.
Political analyst Idris Adamu said the case had shocked many Nigerians due to Malami’s once untouchable image within government circles.
"Seeing the video of Malami being ushered into the vehicle that would take him to Kuje prison last month felt surreal," Adamu said. "This was a man that wielded so much power and influence under Buhari."
He said the prosecution sends a strong message about accountability in public office.
He added that the high-profile prosecution signalled that "no-one is above the law, even if you are the former justice minister of a country".
The court adjourned the case to February 17, 2025, when the trial is expected to continue.
