The federal government has amended the charges filed against former attorney-general of the federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, removing the allegation of terrorism financing.
Malami and his son were initially arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) on February 3 on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.
The DSS had accused Malami of refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers, despite case files reportedly being forwarded to his office while he was attorney-general.
However, at Wednesday’s court session, Akinlolu Kehinde, counsel to the DSS, informed the court of the amendment and applied for the substitution of the original charge.
According to the prosecution, the revised charge now centres on the alleged illegal possession of firearms.
Shaibu Aruwa, counsel to the defendants, confirmed that his clients had been served with the amended charge and did not oppose it being read in court.
The amended charge was then read to the defendants, who both pleaded not guilty.
Presiding judge, Joyce Abdulmalik, ruled that the defendants should continue under the bail conditions earlier granted on February 27.
The court adjourned the case to May 26 and June 15 for trial.
In the amended charge, the prosecution alleged that arms and live cartridges were recovered from Malami’s residence in Birnin Kebbi.
