Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), alongside his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and a third defendant, Hajia Bashir Asabe, are expected in court today as proceedings begin on their bail applications in connection with alleged ₦9 billion money laundering charges.
The trio is facing a 16-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Justice Emeka Nwite had earlier fixed today for the hearing of their bail applications following their arraignment.
Malami, his son, and Asabe—an employee of Ramadiya Property Limited currently being held at Kuje Correctional Centre—had all pleaded not guilty to the charges at their arraignment earlier in the week.
During the previous court session, counsel to the defendants, Joseph Daudu (SAN), made an oral application for bail, arguing that money laundering offences are bailable and do not require a written application unless the offence is capital in nature. He further noted that the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
However, the prosecution, led by EFCC counsel Ekele Iheanacho (SAN), opposed the oral application, insisting that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) requires bail applications to be supported by affidavit evidence to enable the court properly exercise its discretion.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite rejected the oral bail request and directed both parties to return to court with written applications and responses for proper consideration.
The court is now set to hear arguments on the written bail applications as the case proceeds.
