Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to the former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, his son Abdulaziz Malami, and an associate, Bashir Asabe, in the sum of ₦500 million each, with two sureties.

The court ruled that each defendant must provide two sureties who own landed property in Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarinpa within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The title documents of the properties are to be submitted to the court for verification.

In addition, the defendants are required to surrender their international travel passports. The sureties must also submit two recent passport photographs and depose to affidavits of means.

Justice Nwite further ordered that the defendants must not travel outside the country without the court’s permission and are to remain in custody pending the perfection of the bail conditions.

The case was adjourned to February 17 for trial.

During the proceedings, the judge issued a stern warning to lawyers and litigants against attempting to approach him directly in connection with the case, stressing that any effort to influence the court would attract severe consequences.

“Before I conclude this proceeding, I want to admonish both parties and litigants that they should know the type of court they are appearing before,” Justice Nwite said.

“All judges are not the same. Irrespective of the fact that I am familiar with you, when I am handling any case, please do not approach me.

“The best you can do for your client is to engage the best lawyer. The law cannot be bent as far as this court is concerned.

“I want to warn each and every one of you, litigants and lawyers appearing before this court, to understand how this court works. Any attempt to test my leniency will be resisted and dealt with. I warn, I warn and I warn.”

Recall that Abubakar Malami, his son Abdulaziz Malami, and Bashir Asabe had earlier pleaded not guilty to all sixteen counts of alleged financial crimes brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

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