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The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned a former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism-related offences and unlawful possession of firearms.
In the charge, the DSS accused Malami of refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were submitted to him while he served as Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The agency also alleged that Malami and his son unlawfully stored firearms and ammunition at their residence in Gesse Phase II, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State, without the required legal authorisation.
According to the DSS, Malami knowingly abetted terrorism financing by failing to act on terrorism-related case files brought before his office.
The prosecution further charged both defendants with the illegal possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live rounds of Redstar AAA 5’20 ammunition and 27 expended cartridges, contrary to provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004.
Malami and Abdulaziz pleaded not guilty to all five counts when the charges were read in court.
Following their plea, prosecuting counsel, Calistus Eze, applied for the defendants to be remanded in DSS custody and requested a trial date.
Defence counsel, Shuaibu Aruwan (SAN), made an oral bail application, arguing that the defendants had already spent over two weeks in DSS custody.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik declined the oral bail request, stating that the court, being a court of record, required a formal bail application. She ordered the defendants to remain in DSS custody and adjourned the matter until February 20 for the commencement of the trial.
The charges include allegations that the defendants engaged in preparatory acts of terrorism by possessing firearms and ammunition without a licence, offences punishable under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004.
