The trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, took a new turn on Wednesday as the current Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), officially took over the prosecution at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The case, transferred from the Department of State Services (DSS) to the Ministry of Justice, involves allegations of terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms. Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo, informed Justice Joyce Abdulmalik that the prosecution required additional time to familiarise itself with the case before proceeding.
Defence counsel Adedayo Adedeji did not oppose the adjournment but requested that the matter be struck out if the prosecution fails to commence its case at the next hearing, citing concerns over diligent prosecution. The court adjourned the matter to March 10, 2026, for the prosecution to formally open its case.
Malami and his son face a five-count charge. Malami is accused of knowingly refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were submitted to his office while he served as Attorney-General, an act said to contravene Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Counts two through five allege that in December 2025, Malami and Abdulaziz unlawfully possessed a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live Redstar AAA cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar AAA cartridges at their residence in Gesse Phase II, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State. The offences are punishable under both the Terrorism Act and the Firearms Act, 2004.
Previously, the court had granted both defendants N200 million bail with two sureties each. The sureties must own landed property in Maitama or Asokoro and deposit property titles with the court. Both defendants were also required to submit international passports, affidavits of means, and recent passport photographs.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, has drawn national attention due to the serious nature of the allegations and Malami’s former position as Attorney-General. Legal analysts say the handover of prosecution to AGF Fagbemi signals the government’s intent to ensure a thorough and focused approach to the trial.
The March 10 hearing will now serve as the formal commencement of the prosecution’s case, a critical phase that could set the tone for the handling of high-profile terrorism and firearms offences in Nigeria.
Leave a Reply