Terrorism Charges: Court Fixes May 26 for DSS to Open Case Against Malami, Son
By Matthew Eloyi
The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled May 26 for the Department of State Services (DSS) to commence trial in the alleged terrorism case against former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz.
At the resumed proceedings before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, the prosecution, led by Akinlolu Kehinde, informed the court that an amended five-count charge had been filed, replacing the earlier charge on which the defendants were initially arraigned.
Kehinde applied to withdraw the previous charge and requested that the amended version be read to the defendants for fresh pleas. Defence counsel, Shaibu Aruwa, confirmed receipt of the amended charge and raised no objection to the request.
Upon the reading of the new charges, Malami and his son pleaded not guilty.
The DSS alleges that the defendants, in December 2025, conspired to commit acts of terrorism in Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State. Specifically, they are accused of possessing, without a valid licence, a Sturm Magnum firearm, 16 live rounds of Redstar AAA cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges.
READ ALSO: ADC Convention Reaffirms David Mark as Chairman
According to the prosecution, the alleged offences contravene provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Firearms Act.
Following the defendants’ pleas, Kehinde requested a trial date. While the defence did not oppose the application, Aruwa urged the court to allow his clients to continue enjoying the bail earlier granted to them.
With no objection from the prosecution, Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the defendants should remain on bail under the conditions previously set on February 27, noting that they had complied fully.
The court subsequently adjourned the case to May 26 and June 15 for the commencement and continuation of trial.
The case is expected to draw significant public attention as proceedings unfold, given Malami’s former role as the nation’s chief law officer.