The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned Abubakar Malami, former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges relating to alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, court proceedings show.
When the case was called before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, the prosecuting counsel, Calistus Eze, presented a five-count charge filed by the Federal Government, and the defendants pleaded not guilty to all counts.
In the first count, Malami is accused of knowingly abetting terrorism financing while serving as Attorney-General by allegedly refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were brought to his office.
The offence is cited as contrary to Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Counts two to five jointly charge Malami and his son with unlawful possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live Redstar AAA 5.20 cartridges and 27 expended cartridges without a licence.
These counts are cited under relevant provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and the Firearms Act, 2004.
After the defendants entered their pleas, the prosecuting counsel asked the court to remand them in the custody of the DSS and to fix a date for the commencement of their trial.
Defence counsel, Shuaibu Aruwa, SAN, made an oral application for bail, citing the defendants’ time in custody. The judge directed that a formal bail application be filed and adjourned the matter until February 20, 2026 for trial to begin.
Justice Abdulmalik also ordered that the defendants remain in DSS custody pending the hearing and determination of their bail application.
Abubakar Malami, former AGF and Minister of Justice, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, have been arraigned in the Federal High Court, Abuja, on a five-count charge of alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
The defendants pleaded not guilty and are due back in court for the commencement of their trial and consideration of bail.
