A Nigerian court has granted bail to former attorney general Abubakar Malami, along with his wife and son, as they face money laundering and abuse of office charges linked to more than 8.7 billion naira, about $6 million.
Malami, 58, was one of the most powerful figures in the government of former president Muhammadu Buhari between 2015 and 2023. He was arrested in December and charged with 16 counts related to alleged financial misconduct, including the diversion of public funds for personal gain.
Appearing before the court, Malami pleaded not guilty to all charges, maintaining that the case against him is politically motivated. He has been in custody since 30 December.
The former minister, who is married to Buhari’s daughter Nana Hadiza, recently defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress to join the opposition African Democratic Congress, a party seen by observers as a major challenger ahead of the 2027 elections.
During Wednesday’s hearing, the presiding judge ruled that the offences were bailable and ordered the release of Malami, his wife and son on bail of 500 million naira each. The court also required them to provide two guarantors with property in designated areas of Abuja and to surrender their travel documents.
Prosecutors allege that Malami abused his position to channel state funds into the purchase of high value properties across several Nigerian states, including Abuja, Kebbi and Kano. Media reports say investigators have identified hotels, residential buildings, schools, factories and parcels of land allegedly linked to the former minister.
The scale of the assets has fuelled renewed public debate about corruption and the accumulation of wealth by senior political figures. Political analysts say the prosecution marks a rare moment of accountability for a figure once considered untouchable within the political system.
The case has been adjourned until 17 February 2025.