Sh*ck In Court: Malami And Son Granted ₦200 Million Bail Amid Terrorism Allegations

On Friday, a Federal High Court in Abuja granted bail to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, setting the amount at ₦200 million each for alleged terrorism-related offences.

Presiding Judge Joyce Abdulmalik ordered that each defendant provide two sureties of equal value, with at least one surety presenting the title deed of a developed property located in either Asokoro or Maitama, Abuja.

The court also directed that both Malami and his son surrender their international passports as part of the bail conditions.

The defendants were initially arraigned on February 3 on a five-count charge, which includes allegations of terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.

The Department of State Services (DSS) accused Malami of failing to prosecute individuals alleged to be terrorism financiers, whose case files were reportedly forwarded to the Office of the Attorney-General for action. According to the charge sheet, Malami allegedly “knowingly abetted terrorism financing” by refusing to initiate prosecution against the suspects, contrary to Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Additionally, the DSS alleged that Malami and his son possessed a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live rounds of Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges, and 27 spent cartridges at their residence in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, without a license. The prosecution argued that the possession of the firearm and ammunition constituted preparation to commit an act of terrorism under Section 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.

A.U. Igwe, the prosecution counsel, informed the court that the case file had been forwarded to the Department of Public Prosecution for further review.

Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to March 4 for hearing.