The Federal Government has withdrawn terrorism financing charges against former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, replacing them with a fresh charge bordering on alleged illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
The prosecution team, led by Akinlolu Kehinde, informed the court of its decision to amend the initial charge, stating that weapons and live cartridges were recovered from Malami’s residence in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.
Following the development, Malami—who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari from November 2015 to May 2023—and his son were re-arraigned and pleaded not guilty to the amended five-count charge.
Defence counsel, Shuaibu Arua, did not oppose the withdrawal of the earlier terrorism-related charges but urged the court to allow the defendants to retain the bail conditions previously granted to them. The prosecution did not contest this request.
In her ruling, trial judge Joyce Abdulmalik held that the existing bail granted on February 27 would remain in effect, along with all conditions already fulfilled by the defendants.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter for trial on May 26 and June 15, 2026.
The case originated from charges filed by the Department of State Services on February 3, accusing Malami of aiding terrorism financing by allegedly failing to act on case files involving suspected financiers during his tenure as Attorney-General.
In the earlier charge, both defendants were also accused of unlawfully possessing firearms, offences punishable under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004.
According to court documents, the alleged offences took place in December 2025 at their residence in Gesse Phase II, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area. Authorities claimed the defendants possessed a firearm and multiple rounds of live and expended cartridges without a valid license.
Both Malami and his son have denied all allegations, maintaining their innocence as the case proceeds to trial.
