By Muhammad Mamman
The Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday arraigned former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), alongside his son, before a Federal High Court over alleged unlawful possession of firearms.
The defendants were brought before the court on a multi-count charge bordering on the alleged possession of prohibited weapons without lawful authority, contrary to provisions of Nigeria’s firearms laws.
According to court documents filed by the DSS, the security agency alleged that the firearms were discovered during an operation carried out as part of an ongoing investigation. The prosecution maintained that the alleged offence posed a threat to public safety and national security.
Malami and his son, however, pleaded not guilty to all charges when they were read to them in open court.
Counsel to the defendants urged the court to grant them bail, arguing that the charges were bailable and that the defendants were willing to comply with all conditions imposed by the court. The defence also described the allegations as politically motivated and lacking merit.
The prosecution opposed the bail application, citing the seriousness of the charges and the need to ensure the defendants’ availability for trial.
After listening to arguments from both sides, the presiding judge adjourned the matter to a later date for ruling on the bail application and ordered that the defendants be remanded pending the court’s decision.
The DSS declined to make further comments on the case, stating that the matter was now before the court.
