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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The dramatic return of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and members of his family to Kebbi State following their release on bail in an ongoing ₦212.8 billion money laundering case has sparked widespread condemnation and public debate.
After fulfilling the bail conditions stipulated by the court, Malami and his family reportedly travelled back to Kebbi aboard a chartered private jet, where they were received by a crowd of relatives and supporters in what critics have described as a disturbing display of triumphalism.
Reacting to the development, public affairs analyst and anti-corruption advocate, Mobolaji Sanusi, condemned the episode in a post on his X handle (formerly Twitter), describing it as “a shameful spectacle” that reflects a deeper moral crisis in society.
“Malami and family, after meeting bail conditions stipulated by the judge, returned to Kebbi, his home state, where a shameful spectacle occurred. They insensitively rode in a chartered private jet to a waiting crowd of jubilating relatives and supporters,” Sanusi wrote.
“This shameful display involving key suspects in a ₦212.8 billion money laundering case sadly underscores how low our contemporary but mostly depraved communities have sunk.”
Malami, who served as Attorney-General of the Federation from 2015 to 2023, is facing allegations linked to large-scale financial crimes, including money laundering and abuse of office, during his tenure in government. Investigators allege that funds amounting to ₦212.8 billion were diverted through complex financial transactions involving associates and family-linked entities.
While Malami has consistently denied any wrongdoing describing the charges as politically motivated and without merit the case has attracted significant public attention due to his former role as Nigeria’s chief law officer and his reputation as a vocal advocate of the rule of law.
In granting bail, the court stressed that the decision did not amount to an acquittal and warned that the defendants must continue to make themselves available for trial.
Many Nigerians also questioned the propriety of welcoming individuals standing trial for alleged economic crimes with jubilation, especially at a time when the country is grappling with economic hardship, rising poverty levels and shrinking public resources.
Some social media reactions reflected public anger over what was perceived as a flamboyant display of wealth.
@kashami wrote: “This is why they do what they dob because they know people will support them because of tribe or religion.”
@mukhtarjibri10 commented: “They should be hiding from people and avoiding the press, but this is Nigeria where corruption is celebrated.”
As the trial continues, observers insist that attention must remain on due process, transparency and the integrity of the judicial proceedings, rather than public displays that risk trivialising allegations involving vast sums of public money.
The court is expected to resume hearing in the case soon.