The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja has granted interim bail to the former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), following two weeks of detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Justice Bello Kawu, in his ruling on Tuesday, stated that the bail was granted “on the grounds of exceptional hardship,” pending the hearing and determination of the substantive motion on notice.
The court ordered Malami’s release under the same bail conditions earlier set by the EFCC. These conditions require him to surrender his international passport and provide two sureties: the Director-General of the Nigerian Legal Aid Council and a serving member of the House of Representatives representing the Augie/Argungu Federal Constituency.
Justice Kawu noted that Malami had already fulfilled these bail terms, which were originally imposed on November 28, 2025, and directed that they be reviewed and reactivated for his interim release.
Malami, who served as the nation’s chief law officer from 2015 to 2023, is under investigation by the anti-graft agency for alleged financial and administrative misconduct during his tenure. The specific details of the allegations were not disclosed in open court.
The former minister had argued in his application that his continued detention amounted to undue hardship and would prejudice his right to a fair hearing. The court agreed that the interim release was necessary “in the interest of justice” while awaiting the full determination of his motion.
The case has been adjourned to January 5, 2026, for the hearing of the substantive motion.
The interim bail order was issued under the seal of the High Court of Justice, Abuja, and signed by the Registrar, Hadiza Sambo Gwandu.
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