Former Nigerian justice minister released on bail

A Nigerian court has granted bail to the country’s former attorney general, Abubakar Malami, as well as his wife and son, who face money laundering charges.

Malami, 58, was one of the most influential figures in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari between 2015 and 2023.

He was indicted in December on 16 counts of money laundering and abuse of power, and has been held in prison ever since.

In court, he pleaded not guilty to all charges. He had previously described his arrest as politically motivated.

The lawyer, married to Buhari’s third child, Nana Hadiza, recently left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the opposition African Democratic Congress, seen as the APC’s biggest rival in the 2027 general elections.

Malami is one of several ministers in the Buhari administration accused of corruption, including another influential figure, Hadi Sirika, who was in charge of the country’s aviation ministry.

In court on Wednesday, Presiding Judge Emeka Nwite said the charges against the accused constituted bailable offences.

He said they could be released on bail set at 500 million naira (£260,000; $350,000) each.

They must also provide two guarantors with assets in designated areas of the capital, Abuja, and surrender their travel documents to the court.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) claims the former minister used his position to embezzle government funds, which were then used to acquire properties in several Nigerian cities, including Abuja.

The matter was adjourned until February 17, 2025.