Court Clears Malami, But Ex-AGF Chooses To Stay In Prison—Here’s Why

According to Ireporter Online, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has met all bail conditions set by the Federal High Court in Abuja but has chosen to remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre due to concerns about potential immediate rearrest by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Justice Emeka Nwite had granted bail to Malami, his wife, and son last Wednesday, approving their release from custody. Despite fulfilling the requirements, the former minister reportedly opted to stay in detention, citing fears that DSS operatives could detain him again immediately upon leaving the facility.

Sources familiar with the matter revealed that Malami has directed his legal team to seek an ex parte court order restraining security agencies, particularly the DSS, from rearresting him. However, no such protective order has yet been issued, making his continued stay a personal decision rather than one backed by any court ruling.

A source indicated that Malami considers remaining in custody a safer option than risking immediate rearrest, which could result in detention outside the control of correctional authorities.

Justice Nwite had set bail for Malami, his wife, and son at ₦500 million each, with strict conditions. Each defendant is required to produce two sureties of equal value who own landed property in Abuja’s Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarinpa areas. All defendants must submit travel documents and are barred from traveling abroad without prior court approval.

The court also mandated verification of the sureties’ property documents by the Deputy Chief Registrar, submission of affidavits of means, and provision of two recent passport photographs by each defendant and their sureties.