In a significant ruling, a Federal High Court in Abuja, Nigeria, granted bail of approximately $147,000 each to former Attorney General Abubakar Malami and his son, Abdulaziz, who are facing serious charges including terrorism and illegal firearms possession. The case against them is spearheaded by the Department of State Services (DSS) and follows earlier allegations of money laundering which were made by the financial crimes watchdog. The court session that led to the bail decision was set to proceed following the defendants’ earlier not guilty pleas to all charges.

This case marks a critical moment as Malami, who held the position of attorney general from November 2015 until May 2023, has been embroiled in legal troubles since the conclusion of his tenure. The current allegations against him and his son add to the mounting concerns over governance and accountability within Nigeria's political elite. In addition to the terrorism and firearms charges, both men are also implicated in a separate case involving a 16-count charge from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, alleging money laundering and unlawful asset acquisition totaling over $6 million.

The implications of this situation could be far-reaching, potentially influencing public trust in the judiciary and government institutions, especially among citizens who have been critical of the former administration's efforts to combat corruption. As the trial resumes on May 4, this case continues to attract significant attention within Nigeria, raising questions regarding the legal integrity and future of high-ranking officials within the nation's political landscape.