Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has met all bail conditions set by the Federal High Court in Abuja following approval for his release by Justice Emeka Nwite.
However, findings indicate that Malami has declined to leave the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, citing concerns that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) may rearrest him immediately after his release.
According to a report by Sahara Reporters, sources familiar with the matter disclosed that the former minister directed his legal team to urgently approach the court to seek an ex parte order restraining security agencies, particularly the DSS, from taking him into custody upon his release.
It was gathered that no such order has been granted by the court, a development that has left Malami’s continued stay at the correctional facility based on personal choice rather than any existing court directive.
A source said the former Attorney General believes remaining in custody is safer than risking an immediate rearrest by security operatives, a move that could trigger fresh detention outside the control of the correctional authorities.
Justice Emeka Nwite had on Wednesday granted bail to Malami, his wife, and his son in the sum of ₦500 million each, alongside strict conditions that include the submission of landed property documents and travel papers.
The court ruled that each defendant must present two sureties in like sum, with the sureties required to own landed property in Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarinpa.
Justice Nwite also ordered the submission of travel documents by the defendants and directed that the property documents be verified by the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court. In addition, the sureties are required to depose to affidavits of means.
Malami was further instructed to deposit his travel documents with the court and must not travel outside the country without prior approval.
The defendants and their sureties were also directed to submit two recent passport photographs each to the court registry.
(SAHARA REPORTERS)
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