A Federal High Court in Abuja has voided the bail previously granted to a former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, ordering that he be remanded in the Kuje Correctional Centre.
The court’s decision on Friday followed the reassignment of his case in an alleged N8.7 billion money laundering suit filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Malami, alongside his son, Abdulaziz, and his wife, Asabe, were arraigned on a fresh 16-count charge bordering on money laundering and unlawful acquisition of assets.
In her ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik held that because the case had commenced de novo (afresh) before her, all previous proceedings—including the bail granted by Justice Emeka Nwite—were legally extinguished. Consequently, the former AGF was required to file a fresh bail application.
Following their not-guilty pleas, the defence counsel, J.B. Daudu (SAN), urged the court to sustain the previous bail terms. However, the prosecution, led by J.S. Okutepa (SAN), argued that the new court retained the discretion to impose fresh conditions to ensure the defendants’ attendance at trial.
Justice Abdulmalik declined an oral application for bail, instructing the defence to file a formal application and serve the prosecution.
She subsequently ordered that Malami and his son be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre, while his wife is to be held at the Suleja Correctional Centre, pending the hearing of the bail application.
The case has been adjourned until March 6.
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