The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and his son, Abdulaziz, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a five-count charge bordering on terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The arraignment, which took place before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, stems from allegations that Malami knowingly abetted terrorism financing by failing to prosecute suspected financiers whose case files were allegedly forwarded to him during his tenure as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice. The DSS also accused Malami and his son of unlawfully possessing firearms and ammunition at their residence in Gesse Phase II, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
According to the charge, the defendants were found in possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, sixteen live rounds of Redstar AAA 5.20 cartridges, and twenty-seven expended cartridges, without the required licence. The offences are said to contravene provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004.
Following their plea, prosecuting counsel, Calistus Eze, urged the court to remand the defendants in DSS custody and set a date for trial. Defence counsel, Shuaibu Aruwan (SAN), made an oral bail application, citing the defendants’ detention for over two weeks.
Justice Abdulmalik rejected the oral bail request, noting that bail applications must be formally filed before a court of record. She consequently ordered that Malami and his son be remanded in DSS custody and adjourned the case until February 20 for the commencement of trial.
