DSS arraigns former AGF Abubakar Malami and his son Abdulaziz over alleged terrorism financing, failure to prosecute financiers, and unlawful possession of firearms. Both remanded in DSS custody; trial set for Feb 20
Former AGF Abubakar Malami, Son Arraigned Over Terrorism Financing & Illegal Firearms – Remanded Pending Trial
The Department of State Services (DSS) has formally arraigned former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), alongside his son Abdulaziz Malami, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on serious five-count charges involving terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
The defendants face allegations of knowingly abetting terrorism financing by failing to prosecute suspected financiers whose case files were duly submitted to Malami during his tenure as AGF. One count specifically accuses him of this offence in November 2022 at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Maitama, Abuja, contrary to Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Both father and son are also charged with illegally warehousing firearms and ammunition at their residence in Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, in December 2025. Items reportedly recovered include one Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges—offences said to violate the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and the Firearms Act, 2004.
The duo pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them in court.
Prosecuting counsel Calistus Eze requested their remand in DSS custody and a fixed trial date. Defence lawyer Shuaibu Aruwan (SAN) made an oral application for bail, noting that the defendants had already spent over two weeks in DSS detention.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik rejected the oral bail plea, emphasizing that the Federal High Court is a court of record and bail applications must be filed formally in writing. She ordered that Malami and his son remain remanded in DSS custody and adjourned the case to February 20, 2026, for trial commencement.
The high-profile arraignment has drawn intense public attention given Malami’s prominent role in previous administrations and the gravity of the terrorism-related allegations. Read More
