Former Attorney-General and Son Face Serious Terrorism and Firearms Charges in Abuja Court
The Department of State Services has formally arraigned former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, alongside his son, Abdulazeez Malami, on multiple serious charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The defendants face a total of five counts that encompass allegations of terrorism financing, aiding and abetting terrorism, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
Court Proceedings and Bail Application
Both Malami and his son were presented before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja, where they entered pleas of not guilty to all charges brought against them. Following the arraignment, prosecuting counsel Dr. C. S. Eze requested the court to remand the defendants in DSS custody pending the commencement of their trial.
In response, lead defence counsel S. A. Alua, SAN, made an oral application for bail on behalf of the accused. However, Justice Abdulmalik declined to hear the oral application, emphasizing that "the court is a court of record" and could only entertain written bail applications. The matter has been adjourned to February 20 for the hearing of the formal bail application and the beginning of the trial proceedings.
Specific Charges and Allegations
Under Count One, the former Attorney-General faces a particularly serious charge of "knowingly abetting terrorism financing by refusing to prosecute terrorism financiers whose case files were brought to your office as the Attorney-General of the Federation, for prosecution." This allegation suggests that during his tenure, Malami allegedly failed to take action against individuals suspected of financing terrorist activities.
Counts Two through Five involve joint charges against both father and son for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. The specific items mentioned in the charges include a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, sixteen Redstar AAA 5720 live rounds of ammunition, and twenty-seven expended Redstar AAA 5720 cartridges.
Legal Framework and Violations
The charges reference violations of multiple Nigerian laws, including the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 and the Firearms Act of 2004. According to court documents, the alleged firearms offenses occurred at the defendants' residence in Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State during December 2025.
One count specifically alleges that the possession of these weapons constituted "a conduct in preparation to commit act of terrorism," while other counts detail separate violations for possessing the firearm itself, the live ammunition, and the expended cartridges without proper licenses.
Broader Implications and Next Steps
This case represents a significant development in Nigeria's ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and illegal firearms possession. The involvement of a former high-ranking government official adds particular weight to the proceedings, which will be closely watched by legal observers and security experts alike.
The adjournment to February 20 provides both prosecution and defence teams time to prepare their respective cases, with the bail application hearing and trial commencement scheduled for that date. The outcome of this case could have substantial implications for how Nigeria addresses terrorism financing and firearms regulation moving forward.
