The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, in the sum of N200 million each over charges bordering on alleged terrorism and unlawful possession of firearms.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the bail on Friday while delivering a ruling on an application argued by the defence counsel, Mr Joseph Daudu (SAN). However, the court ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the perfection of their bail conditions.
As part of the bail terms, both defendants are to provide two sureties each in like sum. One surety must own landed property in Maitama or Asokoro, Abuja. The court directed that title documents of the properties be deposited with the Deputy Chief Registrar alongside valid international passports.
The sureties are also required to depose to affidavits of means and submit two recent passport photographs. In addition, Malami and his son must deposit their international passports and recent passport photographs with the court.
The trial has been scheduled to commence on March 4.
Earlier, the Department of State Services arraigned the defendants on a five-count charge bordering on terrorism and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, Malami was accused of failing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were allegedly forwarded to him during his tenure as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.
The defendants were also accused of unlawfully keeping firearms at their residence in the Gesse Phase II area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State without lawful authority.
The security agency further alleged that Malami knowingly abetted terrorism financing by failing to prosecute alleged financiers, contrary to the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Both defendants were also charged with unlawful possession of a Sturm Magnum firearm, live cartridges, and expended cartridges, allegedly in violation of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and the Firearms Act, 2004.
