Court postpones Malami, son’s terrorism financing trial to April 15

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday adjourned the alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, until April 15 and 16.

The defendants were present in court when the matter came up before Joyce Abdulmalik.

During the proceedings, the prosecution counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, informed the court that the case was scheduled for hearing.

However, Kehinde told the court that he had only received instructions to take over the prosecution of the case on Monday and therefore required time to confer with witnesses.

“I got the instruction to take over the prosecution of the case on Monday and so I need time to interface with the witnesses.

“I most humbly ask for another date,” he said.

Counsel to the defendants, Mr Shuaibu Arua, SAN, did not oppose the application for adjournment.

In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and adjourned the matter until April 15 and 16 for trial.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Department of State Services (DSS) had arraigned Malami and Abdulaziz on a five-count charge bordering on terrorism and unlawful possession of firearms.

In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026 and filed before the court in Abuja, Malami was accused of refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were allegedly forwarded to him while he served as AGF and Minister of Justice.

The defendants were also accused of warehousing firearms at their residence in Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi without lawful authority.

Specifically, the DSS alleged in count one that Malami knowingly abetted terrorism financing by failing to prosecute alleged financiers, contrary to Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

In counts two to five, Malami and his son were charged with unlawful possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges.

The offences, according to the prosecuting agency are contrary to, and punishable under relevant provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and the Firearms Act, 2004.

The DSS handed over the case to the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) on March 4, when it was slated for the commencement of a full hearing.

(NAN)

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