A dramatic courtroom moment in Abuja as a former justice minister and his son plead not guilty to serious security-related allegations.
Former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami and his son, Abdulaziz, have been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.
Prosecutors told the court that the pair are facing a five-count charge filed by the Federal Government, including claims that Malami, while serving as AGF, knowingly failed to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers in 2022. The Department of State Services (DSS) is leading the prosecution.
Both father and son pleaded not guilty when the charges were read. The prosecution asked that they be remanded in DSS custody, while defence lawyers made an oral request for bail, citing their two-week detention and recent hospitalisation.
However, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik insisted on a formal bail application, describing the court as one of record. She ordered the defendants to remain in DSS custody and adjourned the case to February 20 for the trial to begin.
Other counts accuse the duo of preparing acts of terrorism and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, allegedly found at their Kebbi State residence in December 2025.
For now, the high-profile case heads to full trial later this month.
Leave a comment