Court grants Malami interim bail, cites ‘exceptional hardship’

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on Tuesday granted interim bail to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), in a case involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Justice Bello Kawu, delivering the ruling on Tuesday, said the application merited consideration “on the grounds of exceptional hardship,” pending the hearing and determination of the substantive motion on notice.

“The application for interim bail is hereby granted,” the judge ruled, stressing that the decision was taken “in the interest of justice and pending the determination of the motion on notice.”

The court ordered Malami’s release on the same bail terms previously considered by the EFCC, including the surrender of his international passport and the execution of bail bonds by two sureties: the Director-General of the Nigerian Legal Aid Council and a serving member of the House of Representatives representing the Augie/Argungu Federal Constituency.

Justice Kawu noted that Malami had already complied with the bail conditions imposed on November 28, 2025, and accordingly ordered that they be reviewed and reactivated.

“The court has taken note that the applicant has fulfilled the bail conditions earlier imposed,” he stated, adding that the interim bail would remain in effect “pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.”

Malami, who served as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2023, is under EFCC investigation for alleged financial and administrative infractions during his tenure. Details of the allegations were not disclosed in open court.

The former minister argued that continued restrictions amounted to undue hardship and would prejudice his right to a fair hearing.

The matter has been adjourned to January 5, 2026, for the hearing of the substantive motion.

The interim order was issued under the seal of the High Court of Justice, Abuja, and signed by Registrar Hadiza Sambo Gwandu.