The Federal Government has withdrawn terrorism financing charges previously filed against former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, replacing them with a fresh case bordering on alleged illegal possession of firearms.
The prosecution team, led by Akinlolu Kehinde, informed the court of its decision to amend the charges, stating that weapons and live ammunition were discovered at the former minister’s residence in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.
Following the amendment, both defendants entered fresh pleas of not guilty to a five-count charge relating to unlawful possession of arms and ammunition.
Defence counsel, Shuaibu Arua, did not oppose the substitution of charges but urged the court to allow his clients to continue on the bail earlier granted. The prosecution did not contest this request.
Presiding judge, Joyce Abdulmalik, subsequently ruled that the existing bail conditions granted on February 27 would remain in effect.
The court adjourned the matter for trial on May 26 and June 15.
The case originated from a February 3 arraignment by the Department of State Services (DSS), which had initially accused Malami of facilitating terrorism financing during his tenure under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The original charges also included allegations of illegal possession of firearms under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004. According to court filings, the weapons were allegedly stored at the defendants’ residence in Gesse Phase II, Birnin Kebbi, without lawful authorization.
Both defendants had earlier been granted bail in the sum of N200 million each, with two sureties apiece.
