- Counts Two through Five involve both Malami and his son and allege unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition
- Following the arraignment, DSS counsel Dr. C.S. Eze requested that the court remand the pair in DSS custody pending the start of their tria
- The arraignment marks the official commencement of legal proceedings against the former AGF and his son
Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulazeez Malami, have been arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) on multiple charges, including terrorism financing, aiding terrorism, and illegal possession of firearms.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the father and son appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where they faced a five-count charge.
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Malami was accused in Count One 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.”
Counts Two through Five involve both Malami and his son and allege unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. During the proceedings, both defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Following the arraignment, DSS counsel Dr. C.S. Eze requested that the court remand the pair in DSS custody pending the start of their trial. In contrast, the lead defence lawyer, S.A. Alua, SAN, sought bail for the defendants, but Justice Abdulmalik stated that a formal, written application would be required.
The court adjourned the case to February 20 for the hearing of the bail application and commencement of the trial.
The firearms-related counts allege that the Malamis possessed a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, sixteen live Redstar AAA 5720 cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges without a licence, in violation of provisions under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004.
The allegations are: Malami’s refusal to prosecute known terrorism financiers during his tenure as AGF in November 2022, Unlawful possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, live cartridges, and expended cartridges at their residence in Birnin Kebbi in December 2025, and possessing the firearm and ammunition without the necessary licences, contrary to the Firearms Act.
The arraignment marks the official commencement of legal proceedings against the former AGF and his son, with the court now set to review bail requests and begin trial next month.
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