The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday adjourned the trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, in a case involving alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms until April 15 and 16.
The defendants were present in court when the matter came up before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.
Prosecution Requests Adjournment
During proceedings, the counsel to the prosecution, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, informed the court that although the case was scheduled for hearing, he had only received instructions to take over the prosecution on Monday and required time to consult with witnesses.
“I got the instruction to take over the prosecution of the case on Monday and so I need time to interface with the witnesses. I most humbly ask for another date,” Kehinde told the court.
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The defence counsel, Shuaibu Arua, SAN, did not oppose the application for adjournment.
Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and adjourned the matter until April 15 and 16 for trial.
Charges Against the Malamis
The Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier arraigned Malami and his son on a five-count charge relating to alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, Malami was accused of failing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were said to have been forwarded to him during his tenure as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The defendants were also alleged to have stored firearms at their residence in Gesse Phase II Area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area, Kebbi State, without lawful authority.
Specifically, the DSS alleged in count one that Malami knowingly abetted terrorism financing by failing to prosecute suspected financiers, contrary to Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
In counts two to five, Malami and his son were charged with unlawful possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges.
According to the DSS, the alleged offences contravene provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Firearms Act, 2004.
The case file had earlier been handed over to the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation on March 4, ahead of the commencement of the trial.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
