Court Grants Malami, Son N200m Bail Each in ‘Terrorism Financing’ Case

A federal high court in Abuja has granted bail to Abubakar Malami, former attorney-general of the federation (AGF), and his son, Abdulaziz, in the sum of N200 million each over alleged terrorism-related offences.

Joyce Abdulmalik, the presiding judge, ordered the defendants to produce two sureties each in like sum.

The court held that one of the sureties must provide the title deed of a developed property located in either Asokoro or Maitama, Abuja. The defendants were also directed to deposit their international passports with the court.

Malami and his son were arraigned on February 3 on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.

The Department of State Services (DSS) accused Malami of refusing to prosecute terrorism financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to the office of the attorney-general for prosecution.

According to the charge sheet, Malami was alleged to have “knowingly abetted terrorism financing” by declining to initiate prosecution against the suspects, contrary to section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The DSS also alleged that Malami and his son were in possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live rounds of Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges at their residence in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi state, without a licence.

The prosecution alleged that the possession of the firearm and ammunition amounted to preparing to commit an act of terrorism, contrary to section 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to all counts.

A.U. Igwe, counsel to the prosecution, told the court that the case file has been transferred to the Department of Public Prosecution for further handling.

The court adjourned hearing in the case to March 4.