Justice Joyce remands Malami, family over N8.7bn fraud

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of Abuja’s Federal High Court remanded former AGF Abubakar Malami, SAN, after EFCC re-arraignment.

According to reports, his wife and son faced the same court order, returning all three to prison custody without bail.

Corruption charges involve alleged N8.7 billion fraud, linked to government contracts during Malami’s justice ministry tenure.

EFCC Uncovers Fund Diversions, Court Upholds Malami Family Remand

EFCC probes deepened, revealing suspicious fund diversions; court upholds remand pending further hearings on the case.

While Malami and his son, Abubakar Abdulazeez Malami, were ordered to be taken to Kuje prison in Abuja, the judge directed that his wife, Asabe, be taken to Suleja prison in Niger State.

Justice Abdulmalik issued the order on Friday shortly after the plea of the three defendants was taken in the N8.7 billion corruption charge.

Malami’s Counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, had drawn the attention of the court to the January 7 bail granted by Justice Emeka Nwite of the same court and perfected by Malami.

He urged the court to adopt the same bail conditions on the ground that the Federal High Court is one in Nigeria, and in the interest of justice.

EFCC’s Okutepa Confirms Malami Family Bail Perfected Earlier

EFCC counsel Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, confirmed that authorities granted and fully perfected bail conditions for Malami’s family earlier.

However, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik rejected this, ruling proceedings before Justice Emeka Nwite legally terminated without exception.

She insisted that defendants file fresh bail applications anew in her court for proper legal consideration now.

This decision ensures procedural fairness, overriding prior bail amid ongoing EFCC corruption charges against the defendants.

The judge rejected Daudu’s attempts to move oral bail applications.

Justice Abdulmalik Sets March 6 for Malami Bail, Trial Arguments

Consequently, Justice Abdulmalik fixed March 6 for argument on the bail applications and trial.

Justice Emeka Nwite of Abuja’s Federal High Court granted bail on January 7 to Abubakar Malami, SAN.

His wife and son received identical bail terms, each set at ₦500 million with no leniency.

Strict conditions demanded submission of valuable landed property documents as sureties for their release promptly.

They also surrendered international passports and traveling papers, restricting movement during the EFCC fraud proceedings.