By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
An Abuja High Court on Wednesday granted N500 million bail each to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), his wife, and their son over alleged financial-related offences.
The trio were arraigned by anti-graft agencies on multiple counts bordering on conspiracy, money laundering, and abuse of office. They all pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In his ruling, the trial judge held that bail is a constitutional right and should not be denied where the defendants have demonstrated readiness to face trial. He noted that the prosecution did not provide sufficient grounds to warrant their continued detention pending trial.
The court, however, imposed stringent bail conditions, directing each defendant to produce two sureties with landed properties within Abuja valued at N500 million, subject to verification by the court registrar.
The judge also ordered the defendants to deposit their international passports with the court and restrained them from travelling outside the country without prior approval of the court.
Earlier, prosecution counsel opposed the bail application, citing the seriousness of the alleged offences, the huge sums involved, and the likelihood of interference with witnesses.
In response, defence counsel urged the court to grant bail, arguing that the offences were bailable and that the defendants, as prominent Nigerians with fixed addresses, would not abscond or obstruct the course of justice.
The case was subsequently adjourned to a later date for commencement of trial.
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