The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday arraigned Abubakar Malami, former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.
The defendants faced a five-count charge including accusations that Malami refused to prosecute terrorism financiers whose case files were brought to his office during his tenure as AGF.
In addition, the DSS alleged that both Malami and his son were in possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm along with live ammunition at their residence in Kebbi State, which they purportedly intended to use in preparation for acts of terrorism.
The charge sheet reads in part: “Abubakar Malami, sometime in November 2022 at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Maitama, Abuja, did knowingly abet terrorism financing by refusing to prosecute terrorism financiers whose casefiles were brought to your office… thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
“Abubakar Malami and Abdulaziz Malami, sometime in December 2025 at their residence in Birnin Kebbi, did engage in conduct in preparation to commit terrorism by possessing a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live rounds and 27 expended cartridges without a licence, contrary to Section 29 of the same Act.”
Both Malami and his son pleaded not guilty. Following the plea, Calistus Eze, counsel for the DSS, requested that the court remand the defendants in DSS custody and fix a trial date.
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The defendants’ lawyer, Shuaibu Aruwan, applied orally for bail, citing that the Malamis had been in custody for over two weeks. However, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik rejected the oral bail request, directing that a formal bail application be filed and ordering the defendants remain in DSS custody. The case was adjourned to February 20, 2026.
The arraignment follows the January 19 arrest of Malami by DSS operatives outside Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, after he had met bail conditions in ongoing Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) cases.
Malami, his son, and wife are also facing allegations of money laundering totaling over N8.7 billion, linked to 16-count charges filed by the EFCC, covering activities between 2015 and 2025.
According to EFCC, the defendants allegedly conspired to launder proceeds of unlawful activity through multiple bank accounts and corporate entities to conceal ownership and sources of the funds.
Legal experts commented that the dual proceedings illustrate the overlap of financial crime and national security laws in Nigeria. Dr. Chidi Okoye, a law lecturer at the University of Lagos, said:
“The Malami case highlights the seriousness with which Nigerian authorities are approaching both terrorism financing and financial crimes. Dual investigations by DSS and EFCC could complicate proceedings, but also ensure thorough prosecution.”
Security analyst Aisha Bello added: “Possession of unlicensed firearms coupled with alleged refusal to prosecute known terrorism financiers is a significant allegation.
The courts will need to balance national security interests with due process for the defendants.”
The Federal High Court is now expected to monitor both criminal and terrorism-related charges, while the EFCC continues its investigation into alleged money laundering and financial misconduct.