COURT GRANTS MALAMI, SON N200m BAIL EACH IN ‘TERRORISM FINANCING’ CASE
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BY JENN NOMAMIUKOR
A federal high court in Abuja has allowed Abubakar Malami, the former attorney–general of the federation, and his son Abdulaziz to be released on bail. They were granted N200 million each as bail for suspected terrorism–related crimes.
Judge Joyce Abdulmalik instructed the accused to provide two sureties, each matching the bail amount. One of the sureties must offer a title deed for a fully built property in either Asokoro or Maitama, Abuja.
The defendants are also required to hand over their passports to the court. Malami and his son were brought before the court on February 3, charged with five counts, including terrorism financing and illegal possession of weapons.
The Department of State Services (DSS) accused Malami of refusing to prosecute terrorism financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to the office of the attorney-general for prosecution.
According to the charge sheet, Malami was alleged to have “knowingly abetted terrorism financing” by declining to initiate prosecution against the suspects, contrary to section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The DSS also alleged that Malami and his son were 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, Kebbi state, without a license.
The prosecution alleged that the possession of the firearm and ammunition amounted to preparing to commit an act of terrorism, contrary to section 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The DSS also claimed that Malami and his son had a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 gun, 16 live Redstar AAA 520 bullets, and 27 used bullets at their home in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi state, without a permit.
The prosecution said that having the gun and bullets was part of planning to carry out a terrorist act, which is against section 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to all counts.
A.U. Igwe, counsel to the prosecution, told the court that the case file has been transferred to the Department of Public Prosecution for further handling.
The court adjourned hearing in the case to March 4.
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