DSS Arraigns Ex-AGF Malami, Son Over Terrorism Financing and Firearms Charges

• Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and his son have been arraigned by the DSS before a Federal High Court in Abuja on charges bordering on terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday arraigned a former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and his son, Abdulaziz, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.

The defendants were brought before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on a five-count charge filed by the Federal Government. In count one, Malami was accused of knowingly abetting terrorism financing by allegedly refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were forwarded to his office while he served as Attorney-General in November 2022.

According to the charge, the alleged refusal constituted an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Malami and his son were jointly charged in counts two to five with unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, as well as engaging in conduct preparatory to acts of terrorism. The prosecution alleged that in December 2025, the defendants possessed, without a licence, a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live rounds of Redstar AAA cartridges and 27 expended cartridges at their residence in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.

The DSS maintained that the alleged possession of the firearm and ammunition amounted to preparatory conduct for terrorism-related offences, in violation of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and relevant provisions of the Firearms Act, 2004.

The charges were read in open court, and both defendants pleaded not guilty to all counts. Following their plea, prosecuting counsel, Dr C. S. Eze, applied for the defendants to be remanded in DSS custody pending trial. However, defence counsel, S. A. Alua (SAN), made an oral application for bail.

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Justice Abdulmalik declined to hear the oral bail request, directing the defence to file a written application. She adjourned the matter to February 20, 2026, for hearing of the bail application and possible commencement of trial.

The arraignment comes amid ongoing legal battles involving the former AGF. Malami was previously arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of money laundering and conspiracy involving assets valued at about N8.7 billion.

He has also challenged an interim court order forfeiting some of his properties to the Federal Government, insisting that the assets were lawfully acquired.