Former AGF Malami and Son Re-Arraigned on Terrorism-Linked Firearms Charges

Former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami (SAN) and his son Abdulaziz Malami have been re-arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on an amended five-count charge bordering on illegal possession of firearms and preparation to engage in acts of terrorism.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to all counts on Wednesday before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, after the prosecution substituted the original February 2 charge with an amended version dated April 14.

What Changed

The key change: the Federal Government dropped the terrorism financing charge that had been part of the original five-count indictment. What remains are allegations of illegal possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges — all without a licence.

The prosecution, led by Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), also added a new charge: that the defendants were “preparing to engage in acts of terrorism” by allegedly possessing these firearms. The distinction matters. Financing terrorism is a more serious charge with wider implications; possessing illegal firearms, while serious, is a narrower allegation that may be easier to defend against.

Malami’s Defence

Malami, who served as Nigeria’s chief law officer from 2015 to 2023, was also accused of failing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers while in office — a staggering position for the man who was supposed to prosecute such cases. His defence team, led by Shaibu Arua (SAN), confirmed receipt of the amended charge but has not yet filed a formal response to the new allegations.

The former AGF was first arraigned by the DSS on February 3, alongside his son. Both were granted bail at the time. The case has drawn significant public attention, partly because of Malami’s prominence and partly because of the irony: the man who was supposed to be the nation’s top legal enforcer is now standing in the dock on terrorism-related charges.

What’s Next

Justice Abdulmalik struck out the earlier charge and discharged the defendants in respect of it, ordering that the case proceed on the amended charge. The prosecution has urged the court to fix a date for trial. Trial dates have been set for May 26 and June 15.

The case will be watched closely. If the prosecution can prove the firearms charges, it sends a signal that no one is above the law. If it cannot — or if the case drags on indefinitely — it reinforces the perception that Nigeria’s anti-corruption and counter-terrorism efforts are selectively applied.

Sources: Diaspora Digital Media, Premium Times, Arise News