DSS Arraigns Ex-AGF Malami, Son for Terrorism Financing Illegal Firearms Possession

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday arraigned former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, on a five-count charge, including terrorism financing, aiding and abetting terrorism, and illegal possession of firearms.

The defendants appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Malami faced the first count alone, accused of “knowingly abetting terrorism financing by refusing to prosecute terrorism financiers whose case files were brought to his office as Attorney-General of the Federation.”

Counts two to five, jointly brought against Malami and his son, relate to unlawful possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges, offences punishable under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Firearms Act 2004. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Following arraignment, the prosecuting counsel, Dr C.S. Eze, requested that the defendants be remanded in DSS custody pending trial.

Lead defence counsel, S.A. Alua, SAN, applied orally for bail, but Justice Abdulmalik ruled that bail applications must be submitted in writing.

The court adjourned the case until February 20 for the hearing of the bail application and the commencement of trial.