By James
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The Federal Government has intensified its case against former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, filing a fresh five-count amended charge bordering on alleged terrorism-related offences and unlawful possession of firearms.
The duo was re-arraigned on Wednesday before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in a development that signals a more aggressive prosecutorial push in the high-profile case.
What was expected to be the commencement of trial instead took a procedural turn when prosecution counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), notified the court of an amended charge intended to replace the earlier one. He confirmed that the revised charge had already been served on the defendants. Defence counsel, Shuaibu Arua (SAN), acknowledged receipt and raised no objection.
With no opposition from the defence, the court struck out the initial charge and ordered that the new counts be read. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges, setting the stage for a full trial.
Following the plea, the defence applied for the defendants to continue enjoying the bail earlier granted, a request that was not opposed by the prosecution. Justice Abdulmalik subsequently upheld the existing bail terms of ₦200 million each with two sureties in like sum.
The court adjourned the matter to May 26 for the commencement of trial, when the prosecution is expected to call witnesses and tender evidence.
The amended charge centers on alleged events in December 2025 at Geeze Phase II area of Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State. In the first two counts, the defendants are accused of preparing and conspiring to commit acts of terrorism by allegedly possessing a Sturm Magnum 17–0101 firearm, along with live and expended ammunition, without lawful authorization, contrary to provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The remaining counts relate to unlawful possession of the firearm, sixteen live rounds of Redstar cartridges, and twenty-seven expended cartridges, offences said to contravene the Firearms Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The case against Malami and his son began on February 3, when they were first arraigned on a five-count charge that included allegations of abetting terrorism financing and illegal possession of arms and ammunition. The amended charge now shifts focus more directly to alleged terrorism preparation and conspiracy, suggesting a recalibration of the prosecution’s legal strategy.
As a former chief law officer of the federation, Malami’s prosecution stands as one of the most consequential legal battles involving a past occupant of Nigeria’s justice ministry, raising critical questions about accountability, the enforcement of anti-terrorism laws, and the strength of the country’s criminal justice system.
