A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered Abubakar Malami, former attorney-general of the federation, and his son Abdulaziz to post N200 million bail each after they were charged over alleged terrorism-related offences.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik said each defendant must also bring two sureties who can sign for the same amount. One surety for each must hand over the title deed of a fully-built property in either Asokoro or Maitama, Abuja. Both Malamis were told to surrender their international passports to the court’s registry.
The pair were first arraigned on 3 February on five counts that include funding terrorism and possessing firearms without a valid licence.
The Department of State Services (DSS) claims Malami refused to prosecute financiers whose files were sent to the AGF’s office. The charge sheet states he “knowingly abetted terrorism financing” by failing to act, an offence under section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Operatives also say they recovered a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges and 27 spent shells at their residence in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi state. The DSS contends that holding these items amounts to preparing for terrorism under section 29 of the same law.
Both defendants denied every count.
A. U. Igwe, counsel for the prosecution, told the court the file has been moved to the Department of Public Prosecution.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned proceedings to 4 March.
