By Kayode Lawal.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja has returned a former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, his wife and son to prison on remand following their re-arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on corruption charges.
While Malami and his son Abubakar Abdulazeez Malami were ordered to be taken to Kuje correctional center in Abuja, the judge ordered that his wife, Asabe be taken to Suleja correctional center in Niger State.
Justice Abdulmalik issued the order on Friday shortly after the plea of the three defendants was taken in the N8.7 billion naira corruption charges.
Malami’s Counsel, Joseph Daudu SAN had drawn the attention of the Court to the January 7 bail granted by Justice Emeka Nwite of the same Court and perfected by his clients.
He urged the Court to adopt the same bail conditions on the ground that the Federal High Court is one in Nigeria and in the interest of justice.
Although counsel to EFCC Jibrin Okutepa SAN confirmed the grant and perfection of the bail conditions, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik held that the proceedings before Justice Emeka Nwite had been legally terminated and that fresh bail applications must be filed.
Attempt by Daudu SAN to move oral bail applications was rejected by the judge.
Consequently, Justice Abdulmalik fixed March 6 for argument on the bail applications and trial.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja had on January 7 granted Malami, his wife and son bail of ₦500 million each, with strict conditions including the submission of landed property documents and travelling papers.
Details later.
