DSS Arraigns Former AGF Malami, Son Over Alleged Terrorism Financing

DSS Arraigns Former AGF Malami, Son Over Alleged Terrorism Financing
Court heard pleas as defendants denied all allegations
Judge adjourned case for bail and continuation

The Department of State Services on Tuesday arraigned a former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged terrorism financing.

The two defendants were docked before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, where they pleaded not guilty to a five count charge bordering on aiding and abetting terrorism.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that according to the charge sheet, Malami was accused of knowingly aiding terrorism financing during his tenure as Attorney General by allegedly refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were forwarded to his office for legal action.

The prosecution alleged that the former Attorney General’s failure to act on the case files amounted to deliberate abetment of terrorism related activities.

The Department of State Services further accused Malami and his son of engaging in conduct preparatory to committing acts of terrorism.

The charge also stated that the defendants were found in possession of a Sturm Magnum 17 0101 firearm without a valid licence.

They were equally accused of unlawful possession of sixteen Redstar AAA 5.20 live cartridges and twenty seven expended Redstar AAA 5.20 cartridges.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read to them in open court.

Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the matter for further proceedings, including the hearing of their bail applications.

Malami served as Attorney General of the Federation under former President Muhammadu Buhari and was earlier arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over allegations of fraud and money laundering.