Former AGF Abubakar Malami arrainged in Federal High Court Abuja
Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, over allegations of terrorism financing. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik scheduled the next proceedings for April 15 and 16.
During Tuesday’s hearing, the prosecution, led by Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that he had only recently been instructed to take over the case and required additional time to confer with witnesses ahead of the trial. Counsel to the defendants, Shuaibu Aruwa, did not oppose the adjournment request. Justice Abdulmalik subsequently granted the application.
Abubakar Malami and his son were arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) on February 3, facing a five-count charge, including alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.
The DSS accused Malami of deliberately refusing to prosecute individuals allegedly involved in financing terrorism, whose case files had been submitted to his office during his tenure as Attorney General.
The prosecution claims that in November 2022, Malami knowingly abetted terrorism financing by failing to act on the forwarded case files, a violation of Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
In a separate count, the defendants are alleged to have engaged in acts preparatory to terrorism by possessing a Sturm Magnum firearm, 16 live cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges at their Birnin Kebbi residence in December 2025 without a licence. These acts are punishable under the Firearms Act.
At their initial appearance on February 3, both Malami and Abdulaziz pleaded not guilty.
The court directed the defence to file formal bail applications, which were granted on February 27. Both defendants were released on bail of ₦200 million each, subject to conditions including surrender of travel documents and provision of verifiable sureties.
