FG Drops Terrorism Financing Charge Against Malami, Amends Case

The federal government has revised the charges against former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, removing allegations related to terrorism financing.

At Wednesday’s court session, Akinlolu Kehinde, counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), informed the court of the amendment and requested that the earlier charge be replaced. The updated charge now focuses solely on alleged illegal possession of firearms.

Defence counsel, Shaibu Aruwa, confirmed that the amended charge had been served on his clients and raised no objection to it being read in court. Both defendants pleaded not guilty.

Presiding judge Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that Malami and his son would remain on the bail conditions earlier granted on February 27.

The court adjourned the matter to May 26 and June 15 for trial.

According to the amended charge, the prosecution alleges that firearms and live ammunition were recovered from Malami’s residence in Birnin Kebbi.

Malami and his son were first arraigned on February 3 on a five-count charge that included allegations of terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms. The DSS had accused the former AGF of failing to act on case files involving suspected terrorism financiers.

On February 27, both defendants were granted bail set at N200 million each, with two sureties in like sum.