Ex-AGF Abubakar Malami, Son Arraigned for Terrorism Financing and Illegal Firearms

 The former Attorney General and his son plead not guilty as SSS takes custody; trial set for February 20 amid multiple ongoing investigations.

The State Security Service (SSS) has arraigned former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, on charges of abetting terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms, in a case that has drawn intense national attention.

The duo were arraigned on six counts on Tuesday before Judge Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the charges were read to them. Both pleaded not guilty to all allegations.

Following the plea, prosecuting lawyer C.S. Eze requested a hearing date and urged the court to remand the defendants in SSS custody pending further proceedings. Their lawyer, Shuaibu Aruwa, applied for bail on compassionate grounds, noting that one defendant had been brought directly from the hospital. Judge Abdulmalik directed the defense to file a formal bail application and adjourned the matter until 20 February 2026 for trial.

The Allegations

According to the prosecution:

• In November 2022, Mr Malami allegedly abetted terrorism financing by refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers while serving as AGF. This is contrary to Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
• In December 2025, Malami and his son were accused of possessing a Sturm Magnum firearm, 16 live cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges without a licence at their Birnin Kebbi residence. These actions are alleged preparatory acts for terrorism and violate relevant provisions of the Firearms Act.

Broader Legal Context

This case adds to Mr Malami’s ongoing legal challenges. He is also facing N8.7 billion money laundering chargesalongside his son and wife, Asabe Bashir, in a separate case before another Federal High Court.

Additionally, 57 landed assets valued at N212.8 billion, traced to Malami, are under interim forfeiture orders. The former AGF claims the assets were legitimately acquired and has petitioned the court to lift the forfeiture orders.

The arraignment underscores a high-stakes legal battle for one of Nigeria’s most prominent former public officials, with terrorism, firearms, and financial crimes cases converging in federal courts.

SOURCE : NaijaRush Assignment Desk