Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Wednesday granted N1 billion bail to a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice under President Muhammadu Buhari, Abubakar Malami, SAN, and his son, Abdulaziz.
Malami’s wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, who is also a defendant in the case, was equally granted bail in the sum of N500 million by the court presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite.
The court held that Malami, his son and wife must each provide two sureties in like sums. The sureties must be owners of landed properties in Asokoro, Maitama or Gwarinpa districts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
It further ruled that, in addition to submitting title documents of the properties for verification, the defendants must surrender their international passports.
The court also ordered that the sureties submit two recent passport photographs each and depose to affidavits of means.
Justice Nwite warned that the defendants must not travel outside the country without the court’s permission.
Meanwhile, the court ordered that the defendants remain in custody pending the perfection of the bail conditions.
The case was subsequently adjourned to February 17 for trial.
The defendants are standing trial on allegations of money laundering.
