Abubakar Malami, former Attorney General of the Federation, and his son Abdulaziz were charged by the Department of State Services (DSS) with terrorism financing, aiding and abetting terrorism, and illegal possession of firearms, and subsequently arraigned on Tuesday.
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Malami and his son were arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the federal high court, Abuja. The former AGF was charged under Count One, which is “knowingly abetting terrorism financing by refusing to prosecute terrorism financiers whose casefiles were brought to your office as the Attorney-General of the Federation, for prosecution.”
The ex-AGF and his son were, however, jointly charged under counts 2 to 5, which is the unlawful possession of firearms. They pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Thereafter, the prosecuting counsel, Dr C.S. EZE applied that both defendants be remanded in DSS custody pending commencement of trial.
The lead defense counsel, S.A. Alua, SAN made an oral application for the defendant’s bail. The presiding judge, Justice J. ABDULMALIK ruled that the court is a court of record and as such can only entertain a written application for bail. The case was later adjourned till February 20 for hearing on bail application/ commencement of trial.
The ex-AGF and his son are charged in counts two to five, with unlawful, possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5720 live rounds of cartridges and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges, contrary to and punishable under relevant Sections of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and Firearms Act, 2004
