BREAKING NEWS: Court rejects Malami’s bail plea, affirms EFCC remand

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja, on Thursday dismissed the bail application filed by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, and upheld the remand order granted in favour of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Delivering the ruling, Justice Babangida Hassan held that Malami’s continued detention by the anti-graft agency was lawful, noting that it was backed by a valid court order.

The judge ruled that the defence failed to place sufficient materials before the court to warrant the grant of bail, adding that the EFCC acted within the ambit of the law in holding the former minister pending the conclusion of investigations.

Malami, who is being investigated over alleged financial improprieties during his tenure, had approached the court seeking to be released on bail, arguing that his detention was unnecessary and unconstitutional.

The EFCC, however, opposed the application, insisting that the remand order was properly obtained and that investigations were still ongoing.

Justice Hassan agreed with the submissions of the prosecution and consequently dismissed the bail application.

More details later.