The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has taken over the prosecution of his predecessor, Abubakar Malami, and Malami’s son, Abdulazeez, in a case related to terrorism and illegal firearms possession.
The transition occurred on Wednesday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, where Fagbemi, informed the court through the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), that he had just received the case files.
The minister told Justice Joyce Abdulmalik that the trial could not proceed immediately as the new prosecution team required time to review the documents.
Malami, represented by Adedayo Adedeji (SAN), expressed concerns about the delay and requested that the charges be dismissed if the government sought further adjournments.
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Fagbemi argued that the defence’s request was premature and urged the court to reject it. Justice Abdulmalik then set March 10 for the trial to begin under Fagbemi’s direction.
Previously, the court had granted bail to Malami and his son, each in the amount of N200 million, with conditions that included providing two sureties who own property in Maitama or Asokoro.
They were also required to deposit property titles, surrender their international passports, and submit recent passport photographs.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had charged Malami and his son with financing terrorism and illegal possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, along with live and spent cartridges.
Malami is also accused of neglecting to prosecute individuals involved in financing terrorism during his time as attorney general of the federation, while both defendants allegedly stored firearms at their residence in Gesse Phase II, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.
The five-count charge, filed as FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, outlines each alleged offense, including possession of firearms and ammunition without a license and knowingly assisting in terrorism financing.
