AGF Fagbemi takes over Malami’s terrorism, firearms trial ahead of March 10 session

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has formally taken over the prosecution of his predecessor, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, in their ongoing terrorism and illegal firearms case at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The handover was announced by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, who informed Justice Joyce Abdulmalik that the prosecution would need additional time to review the case file following the transfer of the matter from the Department of State Services (DSS) to the Ministry of Justice.

Defence counsel Adedayo Adedeji did not oppose the adjournment but urged the court to strike out the case if the prosecution fails to commence its trial on the next adjourned date, citing lack of diligent prosecution. Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the trial to March 10, 2026, and directed the prosecution to formally open its case on that date.

Malami and his son are facing charges that include terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms. The DSS alleges that Malami, while serving as Attorney-General, knowingly refused to prosecute individuals suspected of financing terrorism. Additionally, both he and his son are accused of illegally storing a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live Redstar AAA cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges at their residence in Gesse Phase II, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State.

The five-count charge, filed under FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, specifies that Malami’s refusal to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers in November 2022 violated Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Counts two through five detail the possession of firearms and ammunition without licence in December 2025, contravening the Terrorism Act and the Firearms Act, 2004.

Previously, the court granted Malami and Abdulaziz ₦200 million bail each, with two sureties required to own landed property in Maitama or Asokoro. Titles of the properties were to be deposited with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court, alongside valid international passports, affidavits of means, and passport photographs. The defendants were also ordered to submit their international passports and recent photographs to the court.

The trial has drawn nationwide attention, reflecting the high-profile nature of Malami’s tenure as former Attorney-General and the severity of the allegations, which involve both terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.

The March 10 session will mark the formal commencement of prosecution under Attorney General Fagbemi, signaling renewed government focus and oversight in the high-stakes trial.