The Federal High Court, Abuja Division, on Wednesday, admitted former AGF Abubakar Malami, his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz, and his wife, Asabe Bashir, to a N500 million bail each, with two sureties in the like sum.

Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling, held that the reasons adduced by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for opposing the defendants’ bail application were not concrete enough to deny them the request. According to the judge, it tilts towards speculation.

The judge therefore granted bail of N500 million each, with two sureties who must be property owners in Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarimpa within Abuja.

He said that the documents for the landed property must be verified by the deputy registrar of litigation at the court.

He said that the defendants must deposit all their passports with the court’s deputy registrar for litigation and must not travel outside the country without the court’s permission.

The judge also ordered that the defendants and their sureties must deposit two passport photographs each with the court’s registrar. Additionally, the judge ordered that the sureties’ residences be verified by the registrar.

The judge, who ordered that the defendants must remain in Kuje and Suleja Correctional Centres pending the perfection of their bail conditions, adjourned the matter until February 17 for the commencement of the trial.

(NAN)