Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, were on Tuesday arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a five-count charge relating to alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.
The arraignment took place before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, where both father and son pleaded not guilty.
The charges, filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), allege that Malami, during his tenure as AGF, knowingly failed to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers, despite receiving their case files.
Also, both Malamis are accused of storing firearms and ammunition without proper authorisation at their residence in Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The counts alleged that in December 2025, the Malamis possessed a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, sixteen live rounds of Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges, and twenty-seven expended cartridges.
These acts are alleged to contravene the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Firearms Act 2004.
During proceedings, the prosecution asked the court to remand the defendants in DSS custody and set a date for trial.
The defense, led by Shuaibu Aruwan, SAN, immediately requested bail orally, citing that the Malamis had spent over two weeks in DSS custody.
Justice Abdulmalik rejected the oral bail request, directing the defense to file a formal application. She ordered that the defendants remain in DSS custody and adjourned the trial to February 20, 2026.
The case has drawn widespread attention, given Malami’s former role as Nigeria’s top legal officer and the gravity of the allegations involving terrorism and illegal firearms.
Observers noted that the trial could set important precedents for accountability in public office and national security enforcement.
This development marked a significant escalation in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to tackle terrorism financing and illegal arms possession, highlighting the role of security agencies in enforcing the law irrespective of the accused’s position.
