Drama In Court: Terrorism Financing Case Against Abubakar Malami Collapses

The Federal Government has revised the case filed against former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, removing the earlier charge of terrorism financing.

During Wednesday’s proceedings, counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinlolu Kehinde, informed the court that the charges had been amended and requested that the previous charge be substituted.

The updated charge now centres on allegations of unlawful possession of firearms.

Counsel to the defendants, Shaibu Aruwa, confirmed that both Malami and his son had been served with the revised charge and did not object to it being read in court.

After the charge was read, both defendants pleaded not guilty.

Trial judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, ruled that the defendants should continue on the bail earlier granted to them on February 27. The case was subsequently adjourned to May 26 and June 15 for hearing.

According to the amended charge, security operatives allegedly discovered firearms and live ammunition at Malami’s residence in Birnin Kebbi.

Malami and his son were initially arraigned on February 3 by the DSS on a five-count charge that included terrorism financing allegations and unlawful possession of weapons. The agency also accused the former AGF of failing to act on case files involving suspected terrorism financiers referred to his office for prosecution.

On February 27, the court granted both defendants bail in the sum of ₦200 million each, with two sureties required per person.