The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, before a court on allegations of terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
The defendants were jointly charged under multiple counts relating to illegal possession of weapons and ammunition. Both pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Following the arraignment, prosecuting counsel, Dr C.S. Eze, asked the court to remand the defendants in DSS custody pending trial. However, defence counsel, S.A. Alua (SAN), made an oral application for bail. Presiding judge, Justice Abdulmalik, ruled that the court could only consider a written bail application.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to February 20 for hearing of the bail application and commencement of trial.
According to the charge, Malami was accused of allegedly abetting terrorism financing in November 2022 by failing to prosecute suspected financiers whose case files were reportedly submitted to his office while serving as Attorney-General.
The DSS also alleged that the former minister and his son unlawfully possessed a Sturm Magnum firearm, 16 live rounds of Redstar AAA cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges at their residence in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, in December 2025, contrary to provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004.
The prosecution further alleged that possession of the firearm and ammunition without a valid licence constituted offences under relevant sections of the Firearms Act.
