DSS Arraigns Ex-AGF Malami, Son Over Terrorism Financing, Illegal Firearms
The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday arraigned a former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and his son, Abdulazeez Malami, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations bordering on terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
The duo appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on a five-count charge filed by the DSS, accusing them of aiding and abetting terrorism financing as well as illegal possession of arms and ammunition.
According to the charge sheet, Malami, in Count One, was accused of knowingly abetting terrorism financing during his tenure as Attorney-General of the Federation by allegedly refusing to prosecute terrorism financiers whose case files were forwarded to his office for legal action.
Both father and son were jointly charged in Counts Two to Five for allegedly engaging in conduct preparatory to acts of terrorism through the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition without licence.
The prosecution alleged that in December 2025, at their residence in Gesse Phase II Area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area, Kebbi State, the defendants were found in possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5.20 live rounds, and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5.20 cartridges, contrary to provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Following the arraignment, prosecuting counsel, Dr. C.S. Eze, urged the court to remand the defendants in DSS custody pending the commencement of trial.
In response, lead defence counsel, S.A. Alua, SAN, made an oral application for bail on behalf of the defendants. However, Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the Federal High Court, being a court of record, could only entertain a formal written application for bail.
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter to February 20, 2026, for hearing of the bail application and the commencement of trial.
The charges are punishable under Sections 26(2) and 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as Sections 3, 8(1), and 27(1) of the Firearms Act, 2004.
