NIGERIA, ABUJA – Fresh proceedings unfolded on Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja as the Federal Government formally assumed responsibility for the prosecution of former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, over alleged terrorism-related offences.
The move was communicated to the court by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo SAN, who stated that the case file had been transmitted by the Department of State Services to the office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, is now directly overseeing the matter.
Addressing Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, Oyedepo explained, “The prosecution needs time to study the case materials before proceeding.” He sought “a brief adjournment to enable a thorough review and proper preparation for trial.”
Lawyer to the defendants, Mr Adedayo Adedeji SAN, did not oppose the request for adjournment but urged the court to dismiss the charges should the prosecution fail to begin trial at the next hearing, citing concerns over delay.
He stated that the charges should be dismissed “if the prosecution fails to begin trial at the next hearing.”
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The prosecution countered that such a request was unfounded at this stage, maintaining that it was entitled to examine the file in detail before opening its case, describing the application as “unfounded at this stage.”
After listening to both sides, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case to March 10, 2026, for commencement of trial.
Malami and his son were earlier arraigned on allegations that include failure to act on certain terrorism financing cases during his time in office, alongside claims of unlawful possession of firearms.
Court documents indicate that the defendants allegedly possessed, without lawful authority, a Sturm Magnum firearm, 16 live cartridges and 27 expended cartridges in December 2025 at their residence in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.
The charges are said to be in violation of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022 and the Firearms Act.
They both pleaded not guilty to the counts preferred against them.
The court admitted them to bail in the sum of N200m each with two sureties in like sum.
As part of the conditions, one surety must own property in Maitama or Asokoro, Abuja, and submit the title documents to the Deputy Chief Registrar, along with a valid international passport and affidavit of means.
Until the bail conditions are met, the defendants are to remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre and have been ordered to deposit their international passports with the court.
Proceedings will continue on March 10.
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