Malami, son return to court as FG files amended terrorism, firearms charges

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, on Wednesday returned to the Federal High Court in Abuja as the federal government filed an amended five-count charge against them bordering on alleged terrorism-related offences and unlawful possession of firearms.

The defendants appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, where the prosecution informed the court that the initial charge had been replaced with an amended version already served on the accused persons.

Prosecution counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, told the court that the amendment was necessary for the continuation of trial, while defence counsel, Shuaibu Arua, SAN, confirmed that the defendants had received the new charge and raised no objection.

Following the agreement of both parties, the judge struck out the earlier charge and ordered that the amended charge be read in court.

Malami and his son both pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Their counsel thereafter applied for the continuation of the bail earlier granted, a request which was not opposed by the prosecution and was subsequently granted by the court.

The court had earlier on February 27 granted bail to both defendants in the sum of N200 million each with two sureties in like sum.

The matter was adjourned until May 26 for the prosecution to open its case and call witnesses.

According to the amended charge, the alleged offences were said to have been committed in December 2025 at Geeze Phase II area of Birnin Kebbi in Kebbi State.

In count one, the defendants were accused of preparing to commit acts of terrorism by allegedly possessing, without a licence, a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live rounds of Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges, contrary to Section 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Count two alleges that both men conspired to prepare for acts of terrorism through the same alleged possession, contrary to Section 26(1) of the Act and punishable under Section 26(3).

They are also facing three additional counts bordering on unlawful possession of firearms, live ammunition, and expended cartridges, contrary to the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The prosecution said the amended charges replace earlier allegations filed when the defendants were first arraigned on February 3 on related counts of terrorism financing and unlawful arms possession.

With the latest development, the case is expected to proceed to the hearing stage in May, when the prosecution will present witnesses and tender exhibits in support of its allegations.