The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday arraigned former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and his son, Abdulaziz, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
The duo appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on a five-count charge filed by the Federal Government.
In the first count, Malami was accused of knowingly aiding terrorism financing by allegedly refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were forwarded to his office while he served as Attorney-General in November 2022.
The prosecution alleged that his failure to act amounted to abetment of terrorism financing, contrary to provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Malami and his son were jointly charged in counts two to five for offences bordering on unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, as well as engaging in conduct preparatory to acts of terrorism.
According to the charges, the defendants allegedly possessed, without a valid licence, a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live rounds of Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges at their residence in Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State, in December 2025.
The prosecution contended that the possession of the firearm and ammunition constituted preparatory conduct for terrorism, in violation of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and relevant provisions of the Firearms Act, 2004.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read in open court.
Following their plea, prosecuting counsel, Dr C. S. Eze, informed the court that the case was ready for trial and applied for the defendants to be remanded in DSS custody pending the commencement of proceedings.
However, lead defence counsel, S. A. Alua (SAN), made an oral application for bail on behalf of the defendants.
Justice Abdulmalik declined the request, ruling that the court could only entertain a formal written bail application. She consequently directed the defence to file and serve the appropriate processes.
The judge adjourned the case to February 20, 2026, for hearing of the bail application and possible commencement of trial.
The DSS had earlier sought the continued detention of the former AGF to conclude investigations into alleged terrorism financing following his release from the Kuje Correctional Centre in December 2025.
Malami was initially arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of conspiracy with his wife, Asabe, and their son to conceal proceeds of unlawful activities valued at about N8.7bn.
The EFCC alleged that the offences involved the use of multiple corporate entities, bank accounts and high-value real estate transactions in Abuja and other locations.
The former AGF, his wife and son were arraigned on December 29, 2025, on 16 counts bordering on money laundering and conspiracy, to which they pleaded not guilty.
Meanwhile, Malami has also challenged an interim court order forfeiting some of his properties to the Federal Government, insisting that the assets were legally acquired and duly declared.
