Abubakar Malami (right), married to former President Buhari’s daughter (left), was widely regarded as one of the most powerful ministers in the previous administration.
A Nigerian court has granted bail to former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, along with his wife and son, who are facing charges of money laundering.
Malami, 58, played a central role in former President Muhammadu Buhari’s government from 2015 to 2023. Last month, he was charged with 16 counts of money laundering and abuse of office, involving a total of 8.7 billion naira ($6 million; £4.5 million), and has been in custody since 30 December.
In court, Malami pleaded not guilty to all charges. He has previously claimed that his arrest was politically motivated.
Malami, who is married to Buhari’s third child, Nana Hadiza, recently left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), seen as the APC’s main rival ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He is among several ministers from Buhari’s administration accused of corruption, including Hadi Sirika, the former aviation minister.
On Wednesday, presiding Judge Emeka Nwite confirmed that the charges against Malami and his family are bailable offences. Bail was set at 500 million naira (£260,000; $350,000) for each defendant. In addition, they must provide two guarantors who own property in designated areas of Abuja and surrender their travel documents to the court.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges that Malami used his position to divert government funds, which were then used to acquire properties across multiple Nigerian cities, including Abuja. The EFCC recently published a list of high-value assets allegedly linked to Malami, including hotels, residential buildings, schools, factories, land parcels, and a printing press. The properties are located in Abuja, Kebbi, and Kano states.
The revelation of these properties sparked nationwide debate over the wealth of Nigeria’s political elite.
Political analyst Idris Adamu told the BBC that the case was unexpected, given Malami’s previous perception as untouchable.
“Seeing the video of Malami being ushered into the vehicle that would take him to Kuje prison last month felt surreal,” Adamu said. “This was a man who wielded immense power and influence under Buhari.”
He added that the high-profile prosecution demonstrates that “no one is above the law, even a former justice minister.”
