Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja has adjourned the case involving former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, over alleged terrorism financing until April 15.
During the court session, counsel to the prosecution, Akinlolu Kehinde, informed the court that he had only recently received instructions to take over the case.
He explained that he required additional time to consult with witnesses before the commencement of the trial.
Counsel to the defendants, Shuaibu Aruwa, did not oppose the request for an adjournment.
In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik granted the application and adjourned the case to April 15 and 16 for trial.
Abubakar Malami and his son were arraigned by the Department of State Services on February 3 on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.
The DSS accused Malami of failing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to the office of the attorney general for prosecution.
According to the charges, the federal government alleged that Malami, sometime in November 2022, knowingly aided terrorism financing by allegedly refusing to prosecute individuals suspected of financing terrorism after their case files had been submitted to his office while he served as attorney general.
The offence is said to be contrary to Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
In another count, the prosecution alleged that Malami and his son engaged in conduct preparatory to an act of terrorism by possessing, without a licence, a Sturm Magnum firearm, 16 live cartridges and 27 expended cartridges at their residence in Birnin Kebbi in December 2025.
The defendants were also accused of unlawful possession of the firearm and ammunition, offences punishable under relevant provisions of the Firearms Act.
At their first court appearance on February 3, both defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges. The defence subsequently applied for bail, but Justice Abdulmalik directed that formal written applications be filed.
On February 27, the court granted Malami and his son bail in the sum of ₦200 million each, with conditions including the surrender of their travel documents and the provision of sureties with verifiable property.
What you should know
Abubakar Malami served as Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice between 2015 and 2023.
As the country’s chief law officer during that period, he oversaw federal prosecutions and legal matters for the government.
The current case brought by the Department of State Services centres on allegations that he failed to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers and was later found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition alongside his son.
Both defendants have denied all the charges and are currently on bail pending trial.
