The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday docked a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, alongside his son before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations bordering on terrorism financing.
Malami and his son were arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on a five-count charge. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all the counts read to them in open court, setting the stage for what is expected to be a closely watched legal contest.
At the heart of the prosecution’s case is the allegation that Malami, while serving as the nation’s chief law officer, deliberately aided and abetted the financing of terrorism. The DSS alleged that he failed to initiate or authorise the prosecution of suspected terrorism financiers, despite case files allegedly forwarded to his office during his tenure.
The security agency further accused the former Attorney General and his son of engaging in preparatory acts connected to terrorism. According to the charge, the defendants were said to have unlawfully possessed prohibited firearms and ammunition without the requisite licences, contrary to extant laws.
Items allegedly recovered and listed in the charge include a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live Redstar AAA 5.20 cartridges and 27 expended cartridges of the same brand.
In a development that added another layer to the proceedings, the court was informed that Malami had previously been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over separate allegations bordering on fraud and money laundering.
The prosecution urged the court to remand the defendants pending the determination of the case, while defence counsel pressed for bail, arguing that the charges were yet to be proven and that their clients were entitled to the presumption of innocence.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to a later date to hear bail applications and for further proceedings, as the legal process takes its course in a case that underscores the renewed focus of security agencies on accountability and the rule of law.
More details are expected as the trial unfolds.
