A fresh development unfolded in the ongoing trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, on Friday, as a Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that his previously granted bail no longer applies following the reassignment of his case.
The court held that because the matter had recommenced afresh before it, all earlier proceedings — including the bail granted by Justice Emeka Nwite — were terminated, necessitating a new bail application.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a 16-count charge against Malami, his son, Abdulaziz, and his wife, Asabe, over alleged money laundering and unlawful acquisition of assets totaling more than N8.7 billion.
At the resumed hearing, the prosecution, led by J.S. Okutepa, announced its appearance and requested that the defendants be required to enter pleas on the amended 16-count charges.
All three defendants pleaded not guilty to the amended charges. Following the plea, the prosecution urged the court to fix a date for the trial to commence.
The defence, led by J.B. Daudu, argued that the earlier bail conditions should be upheld, contending that the Federal High Court is a single court and that the defendants had already been admitted to bail.
The court is expected to rule on the fresh bail application before proceeding with the substantive trial, marking a critical stage in a high-profile case that has drawn national attention due to the magnitude of the alleged financial offences.
