Former AGF Abubakar Malami and Son Arraigned on Terrorism Financing and Firearms Charges in Abuja

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Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, alongside his son Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, appeared in court on Tuesday where they pleaded not guilty to five counts bordering on terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.

The charges – filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) – mark a dramatic turn in the prolonged scrutiny facing the senior Malami since leaving office in 2023.

The duo was arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja. In the lead count, Malami alone is accused of knowingly abetting terrorism financing in November 2022 by refusing to prosecute suspected financiers whose case files reached his desk during his tenure as AGF. The remaining four counts involve both father and son jointly, alleging unlawful possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition discovered at their family residence in Kebbi State in December 2025.

Specific items cited in the charge sheet include a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live Redstar AAA 5.20 cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges of the same type. Prosecutors framed the possession as “conduct in preparation to commit an act of terrorism” under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, alongside violations of the Firearms Act.

Both defendants entered not guilty pleas through their counsel. Malami’s lead lawyer, S.A. Alua (SAN), made an oral bail application, but the judge insisted on a formal written motion, adjourning the matter to February 20 for bail hearing and possible trial commencement. Until then, Justice Abdulmalik ordered their remand in DSS custody – a decision that extends Malami’s ongoing detention, which began in January following his transfer from EFCC facilities.

The case builds on months of investigations that intensified late last year. Malami was initially detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in December 2025 over separate money laundering allegations involving billions in recovered assets. He faced 16 counts in that matter, to which he also pleaded not guilty, before posting bail. However, DSS operatives rearrested him shortly after, citing fresh security concerns including the arms discovery during a search of his Kebbi home.

Sources familiar with the probe indicate the terrorism financing charge stems from petitions questioning Malami’s handling of cases linked to a 2021 UAE list naming Nigerian nationals as alleged Boko Haram financiers, alongside domestic files. Malami has consistently denied wrongdoing, previously describing such accusations as politically motivated and baseless. In earlier statements, he highlighted reforms under his watch – including strengthened anti-money laundering laws – that helped remove Nigeria from the Financial Action Task Force grey list.

The firearms allegations emerged in mid-January when reports surfaced of unlicensed weapons recovered from the family property. DSS took over that aspect, leading to today’s charges. Malami’s camp has accused authorities of denying him access to family and lawyers during detention, claims the agency has not publicly addressed.

Informed observers describe the proceedings as emblematic of heightened accountability efforts targeting high-profile figures from the previous administration. With terrorism-related offences carrying severe penalties, the case could have far-reaching implications for legal and political circles. It also underscores ongoing challenges in prosecuting financial crimes linked to insurgency, even as security agencies face criticism over selective enforcement.

As the court prepares for the bail arguments, public attention remains fixed on whether the defendants secure release ahead of trial. The outcome may influence perceptions of judicial independence and anti-corruption drives under the current government – particularly given Malami’s central role in past asset recovery efforts that returned billions to federal coffers.

For now, the former justice minister remains in custody, facing what his supporters call a concerted campaign, while prosecutors press forward with evidence they say justifies the grave charges.