The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed March 10 for the trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, SAN, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, over allegations of terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
ENigeria Newspaper reported that the Department of State Services (DSS) initially arraigned the Malamis on February 27. During that hearing, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted bail and adjourned the case to March 4.
At yesterday’s sitting, Rotimi Oyedepo, Director of Public Prosecutions in the office of the AGF, informed the court that his office had recently taken over the matter from the DSS and needed time to familiarize itself with the case details.
Oyedepo also rejected a request by the Malamis’ lawyers to strike out the charges, describing it as premature. After hearing arguments, Justice Abdulmalik directed that the trial commence on March 10, with the DPP set to open the prosecution’s case.
Recall that ENigeria Newspaper reported that the court had set bail at N200 million each for Malami and his son. Each was required to provide two sureties who must own property in the highbrow Maitama or Asokoro districts. The titles of these properties were to be lodged with the Deputy Chief Registrar, along with valid international passports.
The sureties were also instructed to submit affidavits of means and two recent passport photographs, while Malami and Abdulaziz were ordered to surrender their international passports and provide updated passport photos to the court.
The charges, filed as FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, include five counts related to terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms. Malami is also accused of failing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers while serving as AGF and Minister of Justice.
Additionally, both Malami and his son allegedly stored firearms at their residence in Gesse Phase II Area, Birain Kebbi Local Council of Kebbi State without lawful authorization.
