Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
Gatekeepers News reports that Malami is being held by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations bordering on money laundering and unexplained wealth.
Justice Bello Kawu, in a ruling delivered on Tuesday, admitted the former minister to bail on the same conditions earlier set by the anti-graft agency.
The court, however, did not restate the specific terms in its ruling, leaving room for differing interpretations by both parties.
EFCC had earlier disclosed that Malami remained in custody because he failed to meet the five conditions attached to the administrative bail granted to him in late November.
According to the commission, his continued detention followed his inability to fulfil those requirements after he was re-invited for further interrogation in early December.
Reacting to the court’s decision, Malami’s media aide, Mohammed Doka, accused EFCC of refusing to comply with the court order despite alleged fulfillment of all bail conditions.
In a statement shared on the former minister’s official social media page, Doka alleged that EFCC officials declined to accept the bail order and prevented court officials from effecting his release.
He further criticised the agency for Malami’s prolonged detention without arraignment, accusing it of disregarding due process and engaging in a media trial against his principal.
The statement also alleged that EFCC was holding Malami beyond the timeframe permitted by an earlier court order authorising his detention.
The dispute over bail conditions has remained central to the standoff. While Malami insists he complied with the requirements initially communicated to him, the EFCC maintains that none of the stipulated conditions were met.
The commission has repeatedly stated that administrative bail is discretionary and subject to strict compliance pending the conclusion of investigations and possible prosecution.
Following the bail ruling, the court adjourned the matter until 5 January 2026 for the hearing of a motion on notice. The absence of detailed bail terms in the ruling has, however, fueled further disagreement over the court’s intent and the legality of Malami’s continued detention.
Meanwhile, EFCC has filed multiple charges against Malami in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged financial crimes committed during and after his tenure as attorney-general.
The charges reportedly include money laundering and unlawful acquisition of assets, with investigators tracing several high-value properties to the former minister across different states.
Malami has denied all allegations and insists that the investigation and his detention are politically motivated. He has pledged to challenge the charges in court, maintaining that he will clear his name through due legal process.
