By Paul Joseph
Former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, were presented in court on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, facing charges related to alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.
The Department of State Services (DSS) brought them before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on five counts that involve aiding terrorism financing and unlawfully possessing weapons.
During the court proceedings, prosecuting attorney Callistus Eze informed the court that the charges were dated February 2 and officially filed on February 3. He requested that the charges be read to the defendants.
Both Malami and his son pleaded not guilty to all allegations.
After their pleas, the prosecution sought a date for the trial and requested that the defendants be held in DSS custody until further proceedings.
In response, the defendants’ lawyer, Shuiabu Arua, SAN, made an oral request for bail, stating that his clients had been in DSS custody for two weeks and had come to court directly from the hospital.
Justice Abdulmalik denied the oral bail request and instructed the defense to submit a formal bail application, emphasizing that the court maintains a record of proceedings.
The judge postponed the case until February 20 for the trial to begin and ordered that the defendants remain in DSS custody while their bail application is considered.
According to the charges filed by the Federal Government, Malami is accused of knowingly facilitating terrorism financing during his tenure as Attorney General.
The prosecution claims that in November 2022, Malami declined to prosecute individuals suspected of financing terrorism whose case files were submitted to him, an act that allegedly violates the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act of 2022.
In addition to this, both Malami and his son face accusations of engaging in activities related to terrorism and the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
The DSS alleges that in December 2025, the defendants were discovered at their home in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, with a Sturm Magnum firearm without a license.
They are also accused of possessing 16 live rounds and 27 spent rounds of ammunition without legal authorization.
These offenses are said to be punishable under the Terrorism Act and the Firearms Act.
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