Former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, were on Tuesday arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations bordering on terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
The Department of State Services brought the father and son before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on a five-count charge that includes alleged aiding of terrorism financing and illegal possession of weapons.
At the commencement of proceedings, prosecuting counsel, Callistus Eze, told the court that the charges were dated February 2 and filed on February 3. He applied for the charges to be read to the defendants, after which both Malami and his son entered pleas of not guilty to all counts.
Following their pleas, the prosecution requested a trial date and asked the court to remand the defendants in DSS custody pending further proceedings. The request was opposed by defence counsel, Shuiabu Arua, SAN, who made an oral application for bail. He informed the court that his clients had been in DSS custody for two weeks and were brought to court directly from the hospital.
Justice Abdulmalik declined the oral bail request, directing the defence to file a formal bail application. She noted that bail applications must follow due process and be properly documented in the court’s records.
The judge adjourned the matter to February 20 for the commencement of trial and ordered that the defendants remain in DSS custody while their bail application is considered.
According to the charge filed by the Federal Government, Malami is accused of knowingly facilitating terrorism financing during his tenure as Attorney General of the Federation. The prosecution alleged that in November 2022, he failed to prosecute individuals suspected of financing terrorism, despite case files being forwarded to his office. The alleged action is said to contravene provisions of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.
In addition to the terrorism-related allegations, Malami and his son are also accused of involvement in activities linked to terrorism and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. The DSS alleged that in December 2025, both defendants were found at their residence in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, in possession of a Sturm Magnum firearm without a valid licence.
They were also accused of illegally possessing 16 live rounds and 27 spent rounds of ammunition. The offences, according to the prosecution, are punishable under relevant sections of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act and the Firearms Act.
The arraignment marks a significant development in the ongoing security and accountability drive, with the case expected to draw national attention as proceedings resume later this month.
