JUST IN: Court Sets New Date for Malami, Son’s Trial Over Terrorism Charges

A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed April 15, 2026, to begin the trial of former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, over alleged terrorism-related offences and illegal possession of firearms.

The decision was taken on Tuesday by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik after the matter came up in court.

The case was brought before the court by the Department of State Services (DSS), which filed a five-count charge against the former AGF and his son.

When the case was called, counsel to the prosecution, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, informed the court that he had only recently been briefed about the matter. He therefore asked the court for more time to study the case file and prepare properly for the prosecution.

Kehinde told the court that adequate preparation was necessary before the commencement of the trial. Following the request, the defence team did not oppose the application for an adjournment.

Shuaibu Arua, SAN, who appeared for Malami and his son, raised no objection to the request. Justice Abdulmalik subsequently granted the application and adjourned the matter to April 15 and 16, 2026, for the commencement of trial proceedings.

The court had earlier granted bail to the two defendants in the sum of N200 million each. They were also required to provide two sureties each in like sum.

However, the judge ordered that Malami and his son be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre until they perfect the bail conditions set by the court.

Part of the bail conditions requires the defendants to present two sureties each. One of the sureties must own landed property in either Maitama or Asokoro districts of Abuja. The property titles must be submitted to the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court for verification.

The court also directed that the sureties must depose to an affidavit of means. In addition, they are required to provide two recent passport photographs to the court.

Malami and his son were also instructed to submit their international passports and recent passport photographs to the court as part of the bail requirements.

The DSS is prosecuting the defendants over alleged terrorism-related activities and unlawful possession of firearms.

According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, the former Attorney General is accused of refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were reportedly handed to him during his tenure as the nation’s chief law officer.

Investigators also alleged that Malami and his son unlawfully kept firearms in their residence located at Gesse Phase II Area in Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The prosecution further alleged that the weapons were kept without lawful authority.

The DSS accused Malami in count one of the charge with “knowingly abetting terrorism financing”. The remaining counts involve allegations against both father and son.

In counts two to five, the defendants are accused of unlawful possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5720 live rounds of cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges.

The offences, according to the prosecution, are contrary to provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Firearms Act, 2004.

The trial is expected to begin fully when the case resumes in mid-April.