The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday arraigned former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
Prosecuting counsel, Callistus Eze, told the court that the defendants were facing a five-count charge dated February 2 and filed February 3, seeking leave for the charges to be read. Both defendants pleaded not guilty.
Eze requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendants in DSS custody. Defence counsel, Shuiabu Arua, SAN, made an oral application for bail, citing their two-week detention and recent hospitalisation. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered a formal bail application to be filed.
The court adjourned the case to February 20 for trial and remanded the defendants pending the hearing of the bail application.
According to the charge (FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026), Malami is accused of knowingly abetting terrorism financing while in office by allegedly refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers in November 2022. He and his son are also jointly charged with preparatory acts of terrorism and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition allegedly found at their Kebbi residence in December 2025.
(NAN)
