The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, granted former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, SAN, and his son, Abdulaziz, bail of ₦200 million each, in a case involving alleged terrorism and illegal possession of firearms.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who approved the bail following an application by the defendants’ lead counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, however, ordered that the duo remain in Kuje Correctional Centre pending the perfection of their bail conditions.
Under the conditions, each defendant must present two sureties in like sum, with one surety owning landed property in Maitama or Asokoro, Abuja. Title documents of the properties are to be deposited with the Deputy Chief Registrar, alongside valid international passports. Sureties are also required to depose affidavits of means and submit two recent passport photographs. Similarly, Malami and his son are to deposit their international passports and recent photographs with the court.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had arraigned Malami and Abdulaziz on a five-count charge, alleging terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms. The charges, filed as FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, accuse Malami of failing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers during his tenure as AGF and Minister of Justice.
Additionally, the defendants were alleged to have kept firearms at their residence in Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area, Kebbi, without lawful authority. Specifically, Count One accuses Malami of knowingly abetting terrorism financing, contrary to Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Counts 2-5 charge Malami and his son 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, offences punishable under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and the Firearms Act, 2004.
Meanwhile, Justice Abdulmalik has adjourned until March 4 for the commencement of the trial.
Earlier, Malami, along with his wife, Asabe Bashir, and son, Abdulaziz, pleaded not guilty to a 16-count amended charge bordering on alleged money laundering offences.
