DSS Arraigns Malami, Son Over Terrorism, Firearms Possession

DSS Arraigns Malami, Son Over Terrorism, Firearms Possession

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned a former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism-related offences and unlawful possession of firearms.

In the charge filed by the DSS, Malami is accused of knowingly abetting terrorism financing by allegedly refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were submitted to him during his tenure as Attorney-General of the Federation.

The defendants are also accused of illegally possessing firearms and ammunition without lawful authority at their residence in Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

According to the DSS, Malami and his son allegedly engaged in conduct preparatory to acts of terrorism by unlawfully possessing a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of cartridges and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges. The offences are said to be contrary to provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004.

When the charges were read to them in court, both defendants pleaded not guilty to all five counts.

Following their plea, prosecuting counsel, Calistus Eze, urged the court to remand the defendants in the custody of the DSS and to fix a date for the commencement of trial.

However, defence counsel, Shuaibu Aruwan (SAN), orally applied for bail on behalf of the defendants, arguing that they had already spent over two weeks in DSS custody.

Ruling on the application, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik declined the oral bail request, stressing that the Federal High Court is a court of record and that a formal bail application must be properly filed before it could be considered.

The judge consequently ordered that Abubakar Malami and his son be remanded in the custody of the DSS and adjourned the matter until February 20 for the commencement of trial.

The DSS maintains that the alleged offences were committed in November 2022 and December 2025, within the jurisdiction of the court, and are punishable under relevant sections of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004.