Court Voids Malami’s Bail, Orders Remand in Kuje Prison

The trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, took a dramatic turn on Friday as a Federal High Court in Abuja nullified his earlier bail and ordered his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre.

The court ruled that the bail previously granted by Emeka Nwite no longer subsists following the reassignment of the case to a new judge. It held that since the matter had commenced afresh before it, all earlier proceedings, including the bail approval, were deemed terminated.

Delivering the ruling, the presiding judge stated that the reassignment effectively reset the case, making it necessary for the defendant to file a fresh bail application. The court stressed that it could not rely on decisions taken in proceedings that were no longer valid before it.

As a result, Malami was ordered to be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing and determination of a new bail application.

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Defence counsel urged the court to allow the former minister to continue enjoying the bail earlier granted, arguing that he had complied fully with its conditions and had never defaulted in attending court. However, the prosecution opposed the request, maintaining that the reassignment nullified all prior orders.

The court agreed with the prosecution, emphasizing that judicial reassignment in such circumstances renders previous rulings ineffective unless formally adopted by the new court.

The development marks a significant shift in the high-profile trial, which has drawn public attention given Malami’s tenure as Nigeria’s chief law officer.

Counsel to the defendant indicated readiness to file a fresh bail application without delay, while the court adjourned proceedings to a later date for further hearing.

The case continues.