The former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, has regained his freedom from Kuje correctional centre, Abuja, eight weeks after his arrest over terrorism-related charges, with his media aide confirming the development on Wednesday, March 18.
Malami’s release on March 16 follows a prolonged legal battle across multiple cases, including a ₦8.7 billion money laundering charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and separate terrorism-related charges involving the Department of State Services (DSS).
The former AGF, alongside his wife, Asabe Bashir, and son, Abdulaziz Malami, are being prosecuted on an amended 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, money laundering, and concealment of proceeds of unlawful activities.
The defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Malami was earlier remanded at the Kuje correctional centre before his re-arrest on January 19 by DSS operatives shortly after he regained freedom.
He subsequently stated that he was denied access to his family members and legal team while in custody.
On February 27, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the federal high court in Abuja granted bail to Malami and his son for ₦200 million each over allegations of terrorism financing and illegal firearm possession.
The court ordered that the defendants remain in custody pending the perfection of their bail conditions.
As part of the conditions, each defendant was required to provide two sureties, including one who must own landed property in Maitama or Asokoro, Abuja.
The court also directed that the title documents be deposited with the deputy chief registrar, alongside valid international passports and affidavits of means.
Following the fulfilment of these conditions, Malami was released on Monday.
In a statement issued through his media aide, Mohammed Bello Doka, Malami expressed gratitude to his supporters, including political figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, and Peter Obi, among others, for standing by him during the legal process.
He maintained that the support he received reaffirmed his belief in justice and due process, while describing the case as part of a broader struggle for accountability and national integrity.
“Our nation needs courageous voices, principled leadership, and citizens who refuse to surrender their future to despair or intimidation.
“I therefore invite all well-meaning Nigerians to join me in this noble task of rebuilding hope, restoring justice, and defending the dignity of our great nation.
“Let it be clearly understood that the struggle is just beginning, and together we must rise with courage, conviction, and faith to reclaim the promise of Nigeria.
“No retreat, no surrender,” the statement read.
Malami added that he remains confident that the judicial process will ultimately establish the truth as the cases continue in court.
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