Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, will remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre until January 7, following the adjournment of their bail applications by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Justice Emeka Nwite ordered their continued detention after hearing arguments from both the defence and the prosecution in the alleged N9 billion money laundering case filed by the Federal Government. Also standing trial in the matter is a third defendant, Hajia Bashir Asabe of Ramadiya Property Limited.
In court, Justice Nwite explained that the ruling on the bail applications could not be delivered immediately due to the court vacation and his packed schedule.
“I have other pending matters to attend to during this vacation period,” the judge said, adding that the court would deliver its ruling on January 7.
Counsel to the defendants, Joseph Daudu, SAN, urged the court to grant bail to Malami, his son and the third defendant, arguing that the charges were bailable and that the defendants were willing to comply with any conditions imposed by the court.
On the other hand, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Emmanuel Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, opposed the bail applications, asking the court to exercise caution given the nature of the allegations and the ongoing trial.
All three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them by the Federal Government.
Meanwhile, proceedings at the Federal High Court on Friday were briefly overshadowed by a confrontation between operatives of the EFCC and officials of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) over security arrangements for Malami’s trial.
According to reports, the disagreement arose over which agency should take control of security during the court session. Tensions reportedly escalated as officials from both sides laid claim to managing access to the courtroom and controlling security at the entrance.
Although the situation was later brought under control, the incident drew attention from lawyers and court observers, highlighting the heightened security surrounding the high-profile trial.
The case has been adjourned to January 7 for ruling on the bail applications, while the defendants remain in custody pending the court’s decision.
