DSS Arraigns Ex-AGF Malami, Son Over Terrorism Financing, Illegal Firearms

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday arraigned former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, and his son, Abdulaziz, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged terrorism-related offences and unlawful possession of firearms.

The duo appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, where Malami was charged in Count One for allegedly abetting terrorism financing by refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were submitted to him while he served as AGF.

Malami and his son were jointly charged in Counts Two to Five for the unlawful possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live rounds of Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges and 27 expended cartridges, offences said to be contrary to provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Following their plea, the prosecuting counsel, Dr C.S. Eze, applied for their remand in DSS custody pending the commencement of trial. However, lead defence counsel, S.A. Alua, SAN, made an oral application for bail.

Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the Federal High Court, being a court of record, could only entertain a written bail application. She consequently adjourned the matter till February 20 for hearing of the bail application and possible commencement of trial.