Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the return of former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, along with his wife and son, to prison on remand following their re-arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on corruption charges.
Malami and his son, Abubakar Abdulazeez Malami, were directed to be taken to Kuje Prison in Abuja, while his wife, Asabe, was ordered to Suleja Prison in Niger State.
The order was issued on Friday after the plea of the three defendants was taken in the N8.7 billion corruption case.
Malami’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, reminded the court of the ₦500 million bail granted to the family by Justice Emeka Nwite on January 7, urging that the same conditions be adopted in the interest of justice, citing that the Federal High Court is a single institution in Nigeria.
EFCC counsel, Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, confirmed that the bail had been granted and perfected. However, Justice Abdulmalik held that the previous proceedings had legally ended, requiring fresh bail applications. Attempts by Daudu to seek oral bail were denied.
The judge scheduled March 6 for arguments on bail and the trial.
Previously, Justice Emeka Nwite had granted Malami, his wife, and son bail of ₦500 million each, with strict conditions including submission of property documents and travel papers.