The Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday arraigned a former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and his son, Abdulazeez Malami, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged terrorism financing, aiding and abetting terrorism, and unlawful possession of firearms.

The defendants appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, where they were docked on a five-count charge.

In Count One, the former AGF was accused of knowingly abetting terrorism financing by allegedly refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were forwarded to his office during his tenure as Attorney-General of the Federation.

Both Malami and his son were jointly charged in Counts Two to Five with the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. They each pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Following their arraignment, the prosecuting counsel, Dr. C. S. Eze, urged the court to remand the defendants in the custody of the DSS pending the commencement of trial.

However, lead defence counsel, S. A. Alua, SAN, made an oral application for bail on behalf of the defendants. In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik held that the court, being a court of record, could only entertain a formal written bail application.

Consequently, the court adjourned the matter to February 20 for the hearing of the bail application and the commencement of trial.

According to the charge sheet, Counts Two to Five allege that the defendants unlawfully possessed a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5720 live rounds, and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5720 cartridges, contrary to the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004.