The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday arraigned 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.
In a five-count charge presented before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, the DSS alleged that the defendants were involved in terrorism financing, preparatory acts linked to terrorism, and violations of the Firearms Act.
The DSS claimed that 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. This, the prosecution argued, breached Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The defendants were also accused of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, allegedly discovered at their residence in Gesse Phase II, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State, in December 2025.
According to the charge sheet, the DSS alleged 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 provisions of both the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004. The prosecution further contended that the possession constituted conduct in preparation for acts of terrorism, an offence punishable under Section 29 of the Terrorism Act.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Following the plea, prosecuting counsel, Dr. C. S. Eze, requested that the defendants be remanded in DSS custody pending trial, citing the gravity of the allegations and national security considerations. Lead defence counsel, S. A. Alua (SAN), made an oral application for bail on behalf of the defendants.
Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the court does not entertain oral bail applications and declined to consider the request. The matter was adjourned to February 20 for hearing on the bail application and possible commencement of trials.
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