The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, bail in the sum of N200 million each over charges relating to alleged terrorism and unlawful possession of firearms.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik approved the bail application on Friday after hearing arguments presented by the defence counsel, Mr. Joseph Daudu, SAN. Despite the ruling, the court ordered that both defendants remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of their bail conditions.
As part of the conditions, the former AGF and his son are required to provide two sureties each in the same sum of N200 million. One of the sureties must possess landed property located in either Maitama or Asokoro, high-profile districts within Abuja.
The court further directed that the title documents of the properties be submitted to the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court, along with valid international passports. The sureties are also mandated to depose to affidavits of means and provide two recent passport photographs each.
In addition, Malami and his son must surrender their international passports and recent passport photographs to the court as part of the bail requirements.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter until March 4 for the commencement of trial proceedings.
The case, filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), involves a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism-related offences and illegal arms possession.
According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, Malami is accused of failing to prosecute individuals suspected of financing terrorism during his tenure as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, despite allegedly receiving relevant case files.
The defendants are also accused of storing firearms at their residence in Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State, without lawful authorisation.
Specifically, the DSS alleged in the first count that Malami knowingly aided terrorism financing by refusing to prosecute suspected financiers, an offence said to contravene Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
In counts two through five, Malami and his son were charged with unlawful possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges.
The prosecuting agency stated that the alleged offences are punishable under relevant provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Firearms Act, 2004.
What You Should Know
The Federal High Court in Abuja granted Abubakar Malami and his son N200 million bail each over terrorism-related and firearms charges.
They are to remain in custody at Kuje Correctional Centre until they meet strict bail conditions, including providing sureties with Abuja property and surrendering travel documents.
The DSS accuses Malami of failing to prosecute alleged terrorism financiers during his time as Attorney-General and of unlawful possession of firearms. Trial is set to begin on March 4.
