DSS ARRAIGNS EX-AGF MALAMI, SON ON TERRORISM AND FIREARMS CHARGES

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, on terrorism-related and firearms charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

According to the charge sheet, Malami is accused of abetting terrorism financing by failing to prosecute known financiers during his tenure as Attorney General.

Both defendants are also charged with unlawful possession, at Malami’s Kebbi home, of a Sturm Magnum firearm, live cartridges, and expended rounds, in breach of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act of 2022 and the Firearms Act of 2004.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the five-count charge.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik subsequently ordered that the defendants be remanded at the facility of the DSS. The trial judge made the order after declining the defendants’ counsel oral application for bail.

Shuaibu Aruwa, SAN, informed the court that Malami has been in DSS custody for the past two weeks. He further added that he is attending Tuesday’s court proceeding from hospital.

Justice Abdulmalik told the defendants’ counsel to prepare a formal application for bail for record purposes.

The trial judge subsequently adjourned the matter till February 20 for commencement of trial.