DSS arraigns ex-AGF Malami, son over terrorism financing and illegal arms possession

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday brought the immediate past Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges bordering on terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.

The defendants were arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, where Malami was docked on a one-count charge of allegedly aiding and abetting terrorism, while both father and son face additional counts relating to illegal possession of arms and ammunition.

According to the prosecution, Malami, while serving as Attorney General of the Federation, allegedly refused to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were forwarded to his office, an action the DSS described as knowingly abetting terrorism financing.

Counts two to five of the charge jointly accuse Malami and his son of unlawfully possessing a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live Redstar AAA 5.20 cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges without a valid licence.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Following their plea, the prosecuting counsel, Dr. C. S. Eze, applied for the defendants to be remanded in DSS custody pending the commencement of trial. However, lead defence counsel, S. A. Alua, SAN, made an oral application for bail on behalf of the defendants.

Ruling on the application, Justice Abdulmalik held that the Federal High Court, being a court of record, could only entertain a formal written bail application. She subsequently adjourned the matter to February 20 for hearing of the bail application and possible commencement of trial.

The offences are said to contravene provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Firearms Act, 2004, under which the alleged acts are punishable.