The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday arraigned a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), alongside his son, Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged terrorism-related offences and unlawful possession of firearms. The five-count charge, filed before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, accused the defendants for terrorism financing, preparatory acts linked to terrorism, and violations of the Firearms Act.
According to the DSS, Malami, who served as Nigeria's chief law officer between 2015 and 2023, knowingly abetted terrorism financing by allegedly refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were forwarded to his office during his tenure, in breach of Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The agency further alleged that Malami and his son unlawfully possessed firearms and ammunition discovered at their residence in Gesse Phase II, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State, in December 2025.
In the charge sheet, the DSS claimed that the defendants were found in possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5.20 live rounds of ammunition, and 27 expended cartridges, without the requisite licences, contrary to the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004.
The prosecution also alleged that the possession of the firearms and ammunition constituted conduct in preparation for acts of terrorism, an offence punishable under Section 29 of the Terrorism Act.
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Following the plea, prosecuting counsel Dr. C. S. Eze, applied for the remand of the defendants in DSS custody pending the commencement of trial, citing the gravity of the allegations and national security considerations.
In response, lead defence counsel, S. A. Alua (SAN), made an oral application for bail on behalf of the defendants.
Ruling on the application, Justice Abdulmalik held that the court could not entertain a formal written bail application and declined to consider the oral request.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to February 20 for hearing of the bail application and possible commencement of trial.