JUST IN: Court Grants Abubakar Malami, Son N200m Bail Each in Terrorism Financing Case

A federal high court in Abuja has granted bail of N200 million each to Abubakar Malami and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, over allegations linked to terrorism financing.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that both defendants must provide two sureties each in the same amount. One surety is required to present the title deed of a developed property in either Asokoro or Maitama, Abuja. The court also ordered the defendants to surrender their international passports.

The father and son were arraigned on February 3 on a five-count charge that includes alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms. They pleaded not guilty to all counts.

The Department of State Services (DSS) alleged that Malami declined to prosecute individuals accused of financing terrorism, despite case files being forwarded to his office while he served as attorney-general of the federation. Prosecutors claim this amounted to knowingly aiding terrorism financing under section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The DSS further alleged that the defendants possessed 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, Kebbi state, without a licence. According to the prosecution, the possession of the weapon and ammunition constituted preparation for an act of terrorism under section 29 of the same law.

Prosecution counsel A.U. Igwe 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.