Ex-AGF Malami, son granted N200m bail in alleged terrorism case

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday granted former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, bail of N200 million each over allegations of terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, ruling on their separate bail applications, said the essence of bail is to ensure defendants appear for trial. She set the bail conditions at N200 million each, with two sureties in the same sum.

One surety must own a developed property in Maitama or Asokoro, Abuja, and submit the title deed to the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court. All sureties are required to depose to affidavits of means and provide two recent passport photographs. Malami and his son were also instructed to deposit their passports and passport photographs with the court.

The judge further ordered that both defendants be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre until the bail conditions are fulfilled, and adjourned the case to March 4 for the commencement of trial.

The Department of State Services (DSS) had arraigned Malami and Abdulaziz on a five-count charge, including terrorism financing, conduct preparatory to terrorism, and unlawful possession of firearms. Both defendants had pleaded not guilty at the previous hearing.

During Friday’s proceedings, A.U. Igwe appeared for the prosecution, while J.B. Daudu (SAN) represented the defendants. Daudu requested that bail be granted on liberal terms, while the prosecution informed the court that the case file had been transmitted to the Department of Public Prosecution and sought a trial date.

According to the DSS, Malami allegedly failed to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose cases were forwarded to his office while he served as AGF and Minister of Justice in November 2022.

The security agency also alleged that in December 2025, Malami and his son unlawfully possessed a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA live rounds, and 27 expended cartridges at their residence in Gesse Phase II, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area, Kebbi State.

The alleged offences contravene provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and the Firearms Act, 2004.