By Paul Joseph
A fresh twist has emerged in the trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, as a Federal High Court in Abuja nullified his earlier bail following the reassignment of his case.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that since the matter has commenced afresh before her court, all previous proceedings — including the bail earlier granted by Justice Emeka Nwite — have legally lapsed. She subsequently directed the defence team to file a fresh bail application.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a 16-count amended charge against Malami, alleging money laundering and unlawful acquisition of assets valued at over N8.7 billion.
At the resumed hearing, Malami, alongside his son Abdulaziz and his wife Asabe, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
While the prosecution urged the court to fix a date for trial, the defence appealed to the judge to retain the earlier bail conditions granted by Justice Nwite.
However, Justice Abdulmalik declined the request, maintaining that a formal bail application must be properly filed and considered.
The court adjourned the matter until March 6 for the hearing of the fresh bail application and possible commencement of trial.
Justice Abdulmalik further ordered that Malami and his son be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre, while his wife was remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre pending the determination of their bail application.
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