Malami and Son Plead Not Guilty to Amended Firearms Charges

Abubakar Malami, former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and his son Abdulaziz Malami pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to a five-count amended charge alleging illegal possession of firearms and preparation to commit acts of terrorism, in a case brought by the Federal Government at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The proceedings marked a shift from the original charges filed by the Department of State Services on February 3, 2026, which included accusations of terrorism financing, aiding terrorism, and failing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers during Malami's tenure, alongside unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. The defendants had previously pleaded not guilty to those counts and were granted bail on February 27, 2026, in the sum of 200 million naira each, with two sureties in like sum.

During Wednesday's hearing before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, prosecution counsel Akinlolu Kehinde informed the court of the amended charge dated April 14, 2026, stating it had been served on the defendants. He requested substitution of the original charge to allow a fresh plea. Defense counsel Shaibu Arua confirmed receipt and raised no objection....