DSS arraigns ex-AGF Malami, son over terrorism financing, firearms charges

By Olakunle Oke 

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

The defendants were docked before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on a five-count charge bordering on aiding and abetting terrorism and illegal possession of weapons and ammunition.

According to the charge sheet, Malami was accused under Count One of knowingly facilitating terrorism financing by refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were forwarded to his office during his tenure as Attorney-General of the Federation.

Malami and his son were jointly charged in Counts Two to Five for allegedly possessing a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 rounds of Redstar AAA live ammunition and 27 expended cartridges without licence, contrary to provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Following their arraignment, prosecuting counsel, Dr. C. S. Eze, urged the court to remand the accused persons in DSS custody pending the commencement of trial.

However, lead defence counsel, S. A. Alua, SAN, made an oral application for bail, which Justice Abdulmalik declined, insisting that bail applications must be formally filed.

The judge subsequently adjourned the matter to February 20 for hearing of the bail application and commencement of trial.

The prosecution further alleged that the offences were committed in November 2022 and December 2025 in Abuja and Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, where the firearm and ammunition were allegedly recovered from the defendants’ residence.

The DSS maintained that the acts constituted preparation for terrorism and unlawful possession of prohibited weapons.