The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday arraigned former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations bordering on terrorism financing, aiding and abetting terrorism, and illegal possession of firearms.
The defendants were arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on a five-count charge and both pleaded not guilty to all the allegations.
According to the charge, Malami is accused of knowingly aiding and abetting terrorism financing by allegedly refusing, during his tenure as Attorney General of the Federation, to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were said to have been forwarded to his office.
The DSS further alleged that Malami and his son engaged in preparatory acts linked to terrorism by unlawfully possessing prohibited firearms and ammunition without the required licence. Items listed in the charge include a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live Redstar AAA 5.20 cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges of the same brand.
The prosecution also informed the court that the former Attorney General had previously been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over separate allegations relating to fraud and money laundering.
Following the arraignment, the prosecuting counsel, Dr. C. S. Eze, applied for the remand of the defendants in DSS custody pending the commencement of trial. However, Malami’s counsel, S. A. Alua, SAN, made an oral application for bail.
Ruling on the application, Justice Abdulmalik held that the court, being a court of record, could only entertain a written bail application. She subsequently adjourned the matter till February 20 for the hearing of the bail application and commencement of trial.
The charges against the defendants include allegations of refusing to prosecute terrorism financiers in violation of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition contrary to the provisions of the Firearms Act, 2004.
The DSS is prosecuting the case on behalf of the Federal Government.