DSS arraigns Malami, Son over alleged terrorism financing, firearms offences

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday arraigned former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), alongside his son, Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged terrorism-related offences and unlawful possession of firearms.

The defendants were docked before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on a five-count charge bordering on terrorism financing, preparatory acts linked to terrorism, and violations of the Firearms Act.

According to the charge sheet, the DSS alleged that Malami, who served as Nigeria’s chief law officer between 2015 and 2023, knowingly aided terrorism financing by allegedly failing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were forwarded to his office during his tenure. The prosecution said the alleged conduct contravenes Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The DSS further accused Malami and his son of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, allegedly recovered during a search of their residence at Gesse Phase II, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State, in December 2025.

The prosecution claimed that the defendants were found in possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live rounds of Redstar AAA 5.20 ammunition, and 27 expended cartridges, without the required licences, contrary to provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and the Firearms Act, 2004.

The DSS also alleged that the possession of the firearm and ammunition constituted preparatory conduct for acts of terrorism, an offence punishable under Section 29 of the Terrorism Act.

Both defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Following their plea, prosecuting counsel, Dr. C. S. Eze, applied for the defendants to be remanded in DSS custody pending the commencement of trial, citing the seriousness of the allegations and national security considerations.

In response, lead defence counsel, S. A. Alua (SAN), made an oral application for bail on behalf of the defendants.

In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik declined to entertain the oral bail application, noting that the court requires a formal written application before considering bail.

The court subsequently adjourned the matter to February 20 for hearing of the bail application and possible commencement of trial.