Malami’s Lawyers Back In Court Over Kuje Prison Exit

According to Ireporter Online, a team of lawyers and associates of the former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, seeking the court’s intervention to facilitate his release from the Kuje Correctional Centre.

The development follows reports that a surety involved in Malami’s bail arrangement threatened to withdraw, despite the bail having been completed and signed by the court the previous day. A source familiar with the matter revealed that the legal team approached the court to prevent potential complications that could delay Malami’s release.

“A group of lawyers and loyalists of Malami returned to the Federal High Court on Friday, seeking the understanding of the judge to facilitate his unceremonious departure from Kuje Prison. It is understood that a surety wanted to pull out of the bail process after it was completed and signed by the judge yesterday,” the source said.

As of the end of Friday’s proceedings, the court had not issued a public decision regarding the matter. A legal practitioner familiar with the case indicated that the purpose of the visit was to ensure that Malami could leave custody with the judge’s understanding and without further complications.

Last week, Justice Emeka Nwite granted bail to Malami, his wife, and son in the sum of ₦500 million each, accompanied by stringent conditions. The court required two sureties per defendant with property in Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarinpa, verification of property documents by the Deputy Chief Registrar, affidavits of means from sureties, submission of travel documents, court approval before travel, and recent passport photographs for all parties involved.

Despite meeting all conditions, Malami reportedly declined to leave the prison, citing fears of immediate rearrest by the Department of State Services (DSS). He reportedly instructed his lawyers to seek a protective order preventing security agencies from arresting him upon release; however, no such order was granted. Sources stated that his continued stay at Kuje was a personal decision rather than a court requirement.

Malami is also under investigation by the DSS following the discovery of arms and ammunition at his Kebbi State residence. While the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) initially uncovered the weapons, they were handed over to the DSS due to the nature of the offense. Sources indicated that the quantity of recovered arms warranted a full-scale investigation.

On December 30, 2025, Malami, along with his associates Asabe and Abdulaziz, was arraigned before Justice Nwite on a 16-count charge involving conspiracy and money laundering totaling ₦8.71 billion, contrary to the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The Federal High Court also ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 assets allegedly linked to Malami and his two sons, valued at approximately ₦213.23 billion, giving the defendants 14 days to show cause why the assets should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.