Ex-AGF Abubakar Malami, son face trial over terrorism financing

• Former AGF Abubakar Malami and his son, Abdulaziz, were arraigned on a five-count charge of alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
• Malami allegedly refused to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers in 2022 while serving as AGF.
• Firearms and ammunition were reportedly found at their residence in Kebbi in December 2025.
• Both pleaded not guilty; bail application to be formally filed.
• Trial set to begin February 20, with defendants remanded in DSS custody pending bail decision.

Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, have been formally arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of abetting terrorism financing and illegal firearm possession. The arraignment, which marks the start of legal proceedings, follows a five-count charge filed by the Federal Government.

Prosecution and bail request

Prosecuting counsel Callistus Eze informed the court that the charge relates to both terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms. Both defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read. The prosecution requested that the defendants remain in the custody of the State Security Service (SSS) pending trial.

Also read: Court Orders Remand of Malami, Son, and Associate in Kuje Over Alleged Money Laundering

Defense counsel Shuaibu Arua, SAN, made an oral bail application, citing that the defendants had been in DSS custody for two weeks and were recently transferred from a hospital. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik directed the filing of a formal bail application and adjourned the matter to February 20 to commence trial.

Details of the allegations

• Terrorism financing: Malami is accused of knowingly abetting terrorism financing in November 2022 by allegedly refusing to prosecute individuals suspected of funding terrorism while serving as AGF.
• Firearms possession: Both Malami and his son are charged with illegal possession of a Sturm Magnus firearm, along with 16 live rounds and 27 expended Redstar cartridges, found at their residence in Gesse Phase II, Birnin Kebbi, in December 2025.
• Legal provisions: The offences fall under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004, carrying serious penalties.

Justice Abdulmalik ordered that the defendants remain in SSS custody while their bail application is processed, and confirmed February 20 as the date for trial commencement