Ex-AGF Abubakar Malami, Son Arraigned on Terrorism and Firearms Charges in Abuja

Former AGF and Son Face Five-Count Charge

Abubakar Malami (SAN), Nigeria's former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, along with his son, Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, were arraigned on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The arraignment, conducted by the Department of State Services (DSS), involved a five-count charge related to alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms. Both defendants pleaded 'not guilty' to all charges.

Details of the Allegations

The charges brought against the former AGF and his son are multifaceted. The first count specifically targets Abubakar Malami, accusing him of knowingly abetting terrorism financing. This allegation stems from his purported refusal to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were submitted to his office in November 2022, during his tenure at the Federal Ministry of Justice in Maitama, Abuja. This alleged act is contrary to Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The remaining four counts (Counts Two to Five) are jointly leveled against both Abubakar Malami and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami. These charges involve engaging in conduct preparatory to an act of terrorism and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. Specifically, the DSS alleges that in December 2025, at their residence in Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area, Kebbi State, they were found in possession of:

• A Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm without a license.
• 16 Redstar AAA 5.20 live rounds of cartridges.
• 27 expended Redstar AAA 5.20 cartridges without lawful authority.

Court Proceedings and Adjournment

During the arraignment before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, the prosecuting counsel, Calistus Eze, requested that the defendants be remanded in DSS custody pending the commencement of the trial. The defense counsel, Shuaibu Aruwan (SAN), made an oral application for bail, arguing that the defendants had already been in DSS custody for over two weeks. However, Justice Abdulmalik rejected the oral bail application, stating that the Federal High Court, as a court of record, requires a formal written application for bail.

The court subsequently ordered the defendants to be remanded in DSS custody and adjourned the matter until February 20 for the commencement of the trial and hearing of the formal bail application.