Former AGF, Abubakar Malami Remanded In Prison Over N8.7 Billion Corruption Charge
A Federal High Court in Abuja has remanded Abubakar Malami in prison, which has become the latest major development in the ongoing N8.7 billion corruption case involving the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered that Abubakar Malami, alongside his wife and son, be remanded in prison following their re-arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on corruption charges.
While Malami and his son, Abubakar Abdulazeez Malami, were directed to be taken to Kuje prison in Abuja, the court ordered that his wife, Asabe, be remanded at Suleja prison in Niger State.
The order that Abubakar Malami remanded in prison was issued shortly after the plea of the three defendants was taken in the N8.7 billion corruption charge on Friday.
Malami’s counsel, Joseph Daudu SAN, drew the court’s attention to the January 7 bail earlier granted by Justice Emeka Nwite of the same Federal High Court and already perfected by Malami.
He urged the court to adopt the same bail conditions, arguing that the Federal High Court is one and that it would be in the interest of justice to maintain the earlier decision despite the fresh proceedings that led to Abubakar Malami being remanded in prison.
Although counsel to the EFCC, Jibrin Okutepa SAN, confirmed that the previous bail had been granted and perfected, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik held that the earlier proceedings had been legally terminated and that fresh bail applications must be filed.
Attempts by Daudu to move oral bail applications were rejected by the court, reinforcing the decision that Abubakar Malami be remanded in prison pending further hearing.
Consequently, Justice Abdulmalik fixed March 6 for arguments on the new bail applications and continuation of trial in the matter that has now seen the former AGF be remanded in prison once again.
It would be recalled that Justice Emeka Nwite had on January 7 granted Malami, his wife, and his son bail in the sum of ₦500 million each, with strict conditions including the submission of landed property documents and travelling papers.
With the fresh development that Abubakar Malami was remanded in prison, attention has now shifted to the March 6 date when the court will consider the new bail applications and determine the next phase of the trial.
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