The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, on a five-count charge of alleged terrorism financing and illegal firearms possession.
The charges, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, allege that Malami refused to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers during his tenure as AGF and Minister of Justice. Both Malami and his son are also accused of warehousing firearms at their residence in Gesse Phase II, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State without lawful authority.
During arraignment, both defendants pleaded not guilty to all counts. Prosecuting lawyer Calistus Eze asked the court to remand them in DSS custody and fix a date for trial. In response, defense lawyer Shuaibu Aruwan (SAN) requested bail, citing that the defendants had already spent over two weeks in DSS custody.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik rejected the oral bail request, directing the defense to file a formal application, and ordered that the Malamis remain in DSS custody. The court adjourned for the commencement of trial to February 20, 2026.
The five-count charge includes:
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Abetment of terrorism financing by refusing to prosecute suspected financiers of terrorism while serving as AGF.
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Engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorism by possessing a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges without lawful license.
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Illegal possession of the Sturm Magnum firearm in violation of the Firearms Act 2004.
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Illegal possession of 16 live cartridges contrary to Section 8(1) of the Firearms Act.
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Illegal possession of 27 expended cartridges under the same section of the Firearms Act.
The arraignment of Malami, a former top government legal officer, has sent shockwaves across Nigeria, highlighting intensified government scrutiny on terrorism financing and illegal firearms.