The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), alongside his son, Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged terrorism-related offences and unlawful possession of firearms.
The defendants were brought before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Tuesday on a five-count charge bordering on terrorism financing, preparatory acts connected to terrorism, and violations of the Firearms Act.
According to the DSS, Malami, who served as Nigeria’s chief law officer from 2015 to 2023, allegedly aided terrorism financing by failing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were forwarded to his office during his tenure.
The alleged act was said to contravene Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The security agency also accused Malami and his son of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition reportedly recovered from their residence in Gesse Phase II, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State, in December 2025.
The charge sheet alleged that the defendants were found with a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live rounds of Redstar AAA 5.20 ammunition, and 27 expended cartridges, without valid licences, contrary to the Terrorism Act, 2022 and the Firearms Act, 2004.
The prosecution further claimed that the alleged possession constituted conduct preparatory to acts of terrorism, an offence punishable under Section 29 of the Terrorism Act.
Both defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Following their plea, the prosecuting counsel, Dr C. S. Eze, urged the court to remand the defendants in DSS custody pending trial, citing the seriousness of the allegations and national security concerns. Defence counsel, S. A. Alua (SAN), made an oral application for bail.
In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik declined to entertain the oral bail application, noting that bail must be formally sought in writing. She adjourned the case to February 20 for hearing of the bail application and possible commencement of trial.