The Federal Government of Nigeria has amended the criminal charges against former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, removing earlier allegations related to terrorism financing.
At a court session on Wednesday, counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinlolu Kehinde, informed the court of the revised charges and formally applied for the substitution of the initial counts. The updated charge now focuses solely on the alleged illegal possession of firearms.
Court Proceedings and Plea
Defense counsel, Shaibu Aruwa, confirmed that both Malami and his son had been duly served with the amended charge. He also consented to the charges being read in court.
Following the reading, the defendants entered a plea of not guilty.
Presiding judge, Joyce Abdulmalik, ruled that the defendants would continue under the bail conditions earlier granted on February 27. The court subsequently adjourned the matter to May 26 and June 15 for trial.
Details of the Amended Charges
According to the prosecution, arms and live cartridges were allegedly recovered from Malami’s residence in Birnin Kebbi. However, the earlier accusations linking the former AGF to terrorism financing have now been formally withdrawn.
Background of the Case
Malami and his son, Abdulaziz, were initially arraigned by the Department of State Services on February 3. The original five-count charge included allegations of terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
The DSS had also accused Malami of failing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers, despite reportedly receiving case files during his tenure as Attorney-General.
On February 27, both defendants were granted bail set at ₦200 million each, with two sureties in like sum.
This development marks a significant shift in one of Nigeria’s high-profile legal cases, as attention now centers on the firearm-related allegations ahead of the scheduled trial dates.