The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has amended charges filed against a former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, and his son Abdulaziz, removing the terrorism financing allegation.
Recall the defendants were arraigned on February 3, 2026, on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing, aiding terrorism, and illegal possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm and ammunition, but they pleaded not guilty and were granted bail by the court.
During the court session on Wednesday, the counsel of the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinlolu Kehinde, informed the court about the amended charges and also applied to change the former charge of terrorism financing to illegal possession of firearms, adding that the amended charges had been served on the defendants.
In his response, the counsel of the defendants, Shaibu Arua, confirmed receipt of the amended charge.
The presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, struck out the earlier charge of terrorism financing and subsequently discharged the defendants of it and then directed that the amended charge be read to the defendants.
The amended charges accused the defendants of preparing to engage in terrorism due to their alleged possession of firearms without a license, which includes a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges.
The prosecution argued the offenses are contrary to provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, Cap F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to all counts and appealed the court to fix a trial date, which Justice Abdumalik slated for May 26 and June 16, 2026, for trial.
The defense counsel also urged the court to allow his clients to continue the bail earlier granted to them. The prosecution did not oppose the defense counsel’s appeal.