Former Attorney-General Malami, Son Arraigned on Terrorism, Firearms Charges

The Department of State Services has arraigned former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulazeez Malami, on terrorism financing and illegal firearms possession charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The duo appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Tuesday, pleading not guilty to all five counts.

Malami was specifically charged with “knowingly abetting terrorism financing” by allegedly refusing to prosecute terrorism financiers whose case files were brought to him during his tenure as the nation’s chief law officer.

Both father and son were jointly accused in four additional counts of unlawful possession of a Sturm Magnum firearm, 16 live rounds of ammunition, and 27 expended cartridges at their residence in Kebbi State in December 2025, contrary to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004.

Following their plea, the prosecution counsel, Dr. C.S. Eze, requested the court to remand the defendants in DSS custody. The defence lawyer, S.A. Alua, SAN, made an oral bail application, which the judge declined, stating that only a formal written application would be considered.

Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case to February 20 for the hearing of the bail application and the commencement of trial.

The charges allege that the offences took place between November 2022 and December 2025. The case represents a significant legal proceeding involving a former high-ranking official of the federal government.