Dalena Reporters l Friday, February 27, 2026
In a dramatic turn at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami (SAN) and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, were granted bail in a terrorism financing case but subsequently remanded in custody over separate, high-value fraud allegations lodged against them and other family members.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court ruled on separate applications in the cases involving the Malami family earlier in the day. On the terrorism-linked matter filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), the court granted Malami and his son bail of ₦200 million each, with the condition that they present two sureties of similar financial standing — one of whom must own a developed property in either Maitama or Asokoro, Abuja. The court also ordered deposition of the title deeds and international passports of the accused with the registrar as part of bail requirements.
The terrorism financing and illegal firearms charges emerged from a five-count indictment by the DSS alleging that Malami, while in office, failed to prosecute cases against suspected terrorism financiers and that he and his son unlawfully possessed firearms and ammunition at their residence in Kebbi State. The duo pleaded not guilty to all counts.
However, the court did not release the defendants on the spot. Instead, Malami, his son and his wife, Asabe Bashir Malami, were ordered remanded at correctional facilities pending fulfilment of the bail conditions and further proceedings in a separate fraud case. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged the trio in a 16-count money laundering and unlawful acquisition of assets charge amounting to approximately ₦8.7 billion.
Under the fraud prosecution, which the EFCC re-arrested and re-arraigned Malami on earlier this week, the court directed that Malami and his son be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre, while his wife was ordered to be held at the Suleja Medium Correctional Centre as the matter progresses.
The dual developments underscore the complex legal battles facing the former AGF, who served at the helm of Nigeria’s Ministry of Justice until May 2023. The terrorism case reflects serious national security concerns related to alleged inaction and firearms possession, while the fraud charges highlight ongoing scrutiny of alleged financial improprieties involving public office holders.
Legal observers note that the contrasting bail and remand decisions illustrate the judiciary’s effort to balance the rights of defendants to fair trial processes with the imperative to prevent flight risk and ensure accountability in high-stake corruption cases. The trial in both matters has been adjourned, with the commencement of formal proceedings expected in early March as defence and prosecution prepare their arguments.
The unfolding cases are among a series of high-profile prosecutions in Nigeria’s recent legal landscape, reinforcing public discourse on governance, corruption and the reach of anti-graft mechanisms in holding powerful figures to account.