Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and his son, Mohammed, in the sum of N200 million each in a case bordering on alleged terrorism financing.
Gatekeepers News reports that Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who delivered the ruling on Friday, ordered that each of the defendants produce two sureties in like sum. The court directed that one of the sureties must own a developed property within Maitama or Asokoro districts of Abuja and must deposit the property’s title documents with the court. The judge also mandated the submission of sworn affidavits of means by the sureties.
Malami and his son are being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) on a multi-count charge involving allegations of terrorism financing and related offences. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges at their arraignment.
Their counsel had urged the court to grant bail, arguing that the offences were bailable and that the defendants would not evade trial or tamper with witnesses. The prosecution opposed the application, insisting on the seriousness of the allegations.
In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik held that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient justification for the continued detention of the defendants, adding that the strict bail conditions imposed would ensure their availability for trial.
The court adjourned the case to March 4 for the commencement of full hearing.
