Nigeria’s secret police, the Department of State Services (DSS), on Tuesday arraigned former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, along with his son, Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on allegations related to terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
The five-count charge, filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, accuses the former AGF of actions and omissions allegedly linked to terrorism financing investigations handled during his time in office. Both defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read in court.
Malami served as Nigeria’s Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2023, acting as the country’s chief law officer and chief legal adviser to the federal government. In that capacity, his office supervised federal prosecutions, advised security agencies, and handled terrorism-related cases under Nigeria’s counterterrorism laws. The Attorney General’s office plays a central role in reviewing investigation files and approving or declining prosecutions in serious national security matters.
Over the years, Nigeria has intensified efforts to combat terrorism financing, especially in relation to insurgency and armed groups operating in different parts of the country. This has led to expanded enforcement powers and stricter obligations under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which places legal duties on authorities to investigate and prosecute terrorism-related financial networks.
According to the DSS filing, Malami is accused in the first count of knowingly abetting terrorism financing by allegedly refusing to prosecute certain suspects after their case files were submitted to his office while he was AGF. Prosecutors argue that the alleged refusal amounted to support through inaction, in breach of provisions of the Terrorism Act.
The remaining counts jointly charge Malami and his son with illegal possession of weapons and ammunition allegedly recovered from their residence in the Gesse Phase II area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State. Items listed include a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live Redstar AAA cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges. The DSS maintains that the weapons and ammunition were held without valid licences and in circumstances suggesting unlawful purpose.
The prosecution says the alleged possession violates both the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and the Firearms Act, 2004, which regulate civilian access to weapons and ammunition in Nigeria
After the not-guilty pleas were entered, prosecuting counsel Calistus Eze asked the court to remand both defendants in DSS custody and set a date for trial. Defence counsel, Shuaibu Aruwan (SAN), made an oral bail application, arguing that the defendants had already spent more than two weeks in detention.
Presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, declined to entertain the oral request, ruling that bail must be sought through a formal written application because the court is one of record. She directed the defence to file the appropriate motion.
The court subsequently ordered that Malami and his son remain in DSS custody and adjourned the matter until February 20 for the commencement of trial. The case is expected to draw significant legal and political attention given Malami’s former position and the seriousness of the terrorism-related allegations.
