Abubakar Malami, a former Attorney General of the Federation, returned quietly to the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday through his lawyers and close associates as efforts continued to secure his release from Kuje Correctional Centre. The visit followed a sudden move by one of his bail sureties to withdraw from the arrangement, despite the bail having already been approved and signed by the court a day earlier.
Those familiar with the matter said the legal team approached the trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, to seek clarity and assistance on how Malami could leave custody without further delays or legal obstacles. The situation arose after concerns emerged that the withdrawal of a surety could stall the bail process even though all formal steps had been completed.
By the close of court activities on Friday, it was not clear what decision, if any, was taken on the request. However, legal sources explained that the goal was to avoid complications that could keep the former minister in detention longer than necessary.
Malami was earlier granted bail by the Federal High Court alongside his wife and son, with each required to meet strict conditions, including a ₦500 million bond. The court directed that each defendant provide two sureties of equal value who own landed property in high-value areas of Abuja such as Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarinpa. Property documents were to be verified by the court, and all parties were required to submit travel documents and passport photographs.
Although Malami reportedly met the bail terms, he declined to leave Kuje Correctional Centre. Sources said his decision was driven by fear of being arrested again by security operatives, especially the Department of State Services, once he stepped outside the facility. His lawyers were said to be seeking a court order to prevent any immediate rearrest, but no such order had been granted as of Friday.
Separately, Malami is facing investigations linked to the discovery of arms and ammunition at his country home in Kebbi State. The weapons were found during a search by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which later handed the matter over to the DSS, as arms-related cases fall outside the commission’s mandate.
Malami is also standing trial with his son Abdulaziz and another defendant over a 16-count charge involving alleged money laundering amounting to over ₦8.7 billion. In addition, a Federal High Court ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to Malami and his sons, valued at over ₦213 billion. The court gave them 14 days to prove that the assets were lawfully acquired or risk permanent forfeiture to the Federal Government.
For now, Malami remains at Kuje Correctional Centre, not by court order, but by choice, as legal and security concerns surrounding his release remain unresolved.