The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned a former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to the charge sheet, Malami is accused of knowingly abetting terrorism financing by allegedly refusing to prosecute suspected financiers whose case files were forwarded to his office while he served as AGF and Minister of Justice. Both defendants are also accused of illegally possessing firearms and ammunition at their residence in Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The DSS alleged that the former AGF and his son unlawfully kept a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live rounds of Redstar AAA ammunition, and 27 expended cartridges, contrary to provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to all the counts when they were read in court. Following the plea, the prosecuting counsel, Calistus Eze, applied for their remand in DSS custody and requested a trial date.
Defence counsel, Shuaibu Aruwan (SAN), made an oral application for bail, arguing that the defendants had already spent over two weeks in DSS custody. However, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik rejected the oral application, insisting on a formal bail motion in line with court procedure.
The judge consequently ordered that Malami and his son be remanded in the custody of the DSS and adjourned the matter to February 20 for the commencement of trial.
