Malami, son face fresh charges as FG drops terrorism financing case

The Federal Government of Nigeria has dropped terrorism financing allegations against former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami and his son, Abdulaziz, substituting them with fresh charges.

Through its counsel led by Akinlolu Kehinde, the government informed the court that it would proceed with an amended charge relating to alleged illegal possession of arms and ammunition reportedly discovered at Malami’s residence in Birnin Kebbi.

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

Malami, who served as Justice Minister during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, had earlier been accused of abetting terrorism financing by allegedly failing to prosecute suspects.

Defence lawyer Shuaibu Arua did not oppose the prosecution’s application but requested that existing bail conditions remain.

With no objection from the prosecution, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik upheld the bail earlier granted on February 27.

The court fixed May 26 and June 15 for continuation of trial.

The defendants were originally arraigned by the Department of State Services on February 3, facing charges under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004, including allegations of unlawful storage of firearms at their residence in Birnin Kebbi.

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