Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF)

The Department of State Services (DSS), yesterday, arraigned former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), alongside his son, Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on alleged terrorism-related offences and unlawful possession of firearms.
 
The defendants were brought before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, where Malami was charged for allegedly abetting terrorism financing while serving as AGF.
 
According to the charge, Malami is accused of knowingly refusing to prosecute alleged terrorism financiers whose case files were submitted to his office for legal action, an offence the prosecution said is contrary to Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
 
Both the ex-minister and his son were jointly charged on Counts Two to Five, which relate to the alleged unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
 
The DSS claimed that in December 2025, at their residence in Gesse Phase II, Birnin Kebbi Local Council of Kebbi State, the defendants were found in possession—without licence—of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 rounds of Redstar AAA 5.20 live ammunition, and 27 expended cartridges.
 
The prosecution maintained that the alleged acts constitute offences under Sections 29 and 3 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as relevant provisions of the Firearms Act, 2004.
 
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all five counts.
 
Following their plea, the prosecuting counsel, Dr C. S. Eze, applied for the defendants to be remanded in DSS custody pending the commencement of the trial.
 
However, lead defence counsel, S. A. Alua (SAN), made an oral application seeking bail for the defendants.
 
Ruling on the application, Justice Abdulmalik held that the Federal High Court, being a court of record, could only entertain a formal written bail application and therefore declined to hear the oral request.
 
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to February 20 for the hearing of the bail application and possible commencement of trial.