A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, in the sum of N200 million each over alleged terrorism-related offences.
The presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, ordered the defendants to provide two sureties each in like sum. The court ruled that one of the sureties must present the title deed of a developed property located in either Asokoro or Maitama in Abuja. The defendants were also directed to deposit their international passports with the court.
Malami and his son were arraigned on February 3 on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.
The Department of State Services accused Malami of refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to the office of the attorney-general for prosecution.
According to the charge, Malami allegedly “knowingly abetted terrorism financing” by declining to initiate prosecution against the suspects, in violation of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The DSS further alleged that Malami and his son were found in possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live rounds of Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges at their residence in Birnin Kebbi without a valid licence.
The prosecution claimed that the possession of the firearm and ammunition amounted to preparation to commit an act of terrorism under the relevant provisions of the law.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Counsel to the prosecution informed the court that the case file has been transferred to the Department of Public Prosecution for further handling.
The matter was adjourned to March 4 for hearing.
