The Federal Government has appointed Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, to prosecute former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, in a case involving alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms. The case was originally handled by the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, before Kehinde formally took over.
During a recent court proceeding, Kehinde requested a short adjournment to study the case file and meet with witnesses, a request that was not opposed by the defendants’ lead counsel, Shaibu Arua, SAN. Consequently, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the trial to April 15 and 16, 2026. The defendants, who pleaded not guilty, were granted bail of N200 million each with two sureties, pending perfection of bail conditions.
The charges, filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) under FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, include five counts. Malami is accused of knowingly abetting terrorism financing by failing to prosecute alleged financiers during his tenure as AGF. Counts two to five involve unlawful possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges at their residence in Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi, contrary to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004.
The court imposed strict bail conditions, requiring each surety to own landed property in Maitama or Asokoro, deposit the property title with the Deputy Chief Registrar, and provide valid international passports and affidavits of means. The defendants themselves must also submit their international passports and recent photographs to the court. Malami and his son are remanded at Kuje Prison pending compliance with these conditions.
The trial was initially scheduled to commence on March 4, 2026. The case highlights ongoing government efforts to prosecute high-profile individuals accused of terrorism-related offences, with the DSS and the Federal Government emphasizing that justice will follow due process while ensuring that all legal protocols are strictly observed.
