The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned its ruling on the bail applications of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, his son Abdulaziz Malami, and his wife Asabe Bashir to January 7, ordering that they remain in custody pending the decision.
Justice Emeka Nwite issued the directive after hearing arguments from both the defence and the prosecution in the case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
EFCC Files 16-Count Charge
The trio is standing trial on a 16-count charge bordering on the alleged concealment of illicit funds amounting to ₦1.014 billion and the unlawful acquisition of assets valued at several billions of naira.
All three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Defence, Prosecution Clash Over Bail
Counsel to the defendants, Joseph Daudu (SAN), argued that the EFCC had previously granted the accused administrative bail and therefore lacked justification to oppose their application for judicial bail.
However, EFCC lead counsel, Ekele Iheanacho (SAN), opposed the bail request, urging the court to dismiss it on grounds that the application lacked merit.
Court Cites Vacation Schedule
In adjourning the ruling, Justice Nwite explained that he was sitting as a vacation judge and had several pending rulings to deliver.
He ordered that Abubakar Malami and his son remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre, while Asabe Bashir should continue her detention at the Suleja Correctional Centre until the court delivers its ruling on January 7.