DSS Arraigns Ex-AGF Malami, Son on Terrorism, Firearms Charges
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulazeez Malami, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on five-count charges bordering on terrorism financing, aiding and abetting terrorism, and unlawful possession of firearms.
The defendants appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Tuesday, where they pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
According to the charge sheet, Malami is accused under Count One of knowingly abetting terrorism financing by allegedly refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were submitted to his office during his tenure as Attorney-General of the Federation. The offence is said to be contrary to Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Both Malami and his son were jointly charged in Counts Two to Five with offences related to the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. The DSS alleged that in December 2025, at their residence in Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State, the defendants were found in possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 rounds of Redstar AAA live ammunition, and 27 expended cartridges, without the required licence. The alleged offences are contrary to provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004.
Following their arraignment, prosecuting counsel, Dr C.S. Eze, urged the court to remand the defendants in DSS custody pending the commencement of trial. However, lead defence counsel, S.A. Alua, SAN, made an oral application for bail on behalf of the defendants.
Justice Abdulmalik declined the oral application, stressing that the court, being a court of record, could only entertain a formal written application for bail.
The judge consequently adjourned the matter to February 20 for the hearing of the bail application and the commencement of trial.
