MALAMI’S TRIAL ON ALLEGED TERROR FINANCING HIT BY FG’S PROSECUTOR REPLACEMENT
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By: Fasasi Hammad
The Federal Government has appointed a new prosecutor to handle the ongoing trial of the immediate past Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN.
Malami, who served as Justice Minister from November 11, 2015, to May 29, 2023, under former President Muhammadu Buhari, faces a five-count charge relating to terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms. He was arraigned alongside his son, Abdulaziz Malami.
The Department of State Services (DSS) handed over the case to the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) on March 4, ahead of the scheduled full hearing. The DSS withdrew from prosecution to allow the AGF’s office to take over the case.
The Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, informed the court that AGF Prince Lateef Fagbemi had decided to prosecute the defendants. He explained that the DSS, which initially filed the charges, also transmitted the case file to the AGF’s office. Oyedepo requested an adjournment to allow the AGF to review the case and determine the next steps.
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At the resumed proceedings on Tuesday, Mr. Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, known for prosecuting high-profile DSS cases, formally appeared on behalf of the FG. He stated that he had been briefed to handle the case and requested an adjournment to meet with proposed witnesses.
The request was unopposed by counsel for the defendants, Mr. Shuaibu Arua, SAN, and Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the hearing to April 15 and 16.
The DSS had initially arraigned Malami and his son on February 3. In the first count, Malami was accused of knowingly abetting terrorism financing by allegedly refusing to prosecute individuals whose case files were submitted to his office as AGF.
In counts two to five, Malami and Abdulaziz were jointly accused of unlawful possession of firearms, offences punishable under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004. The charges, filed as FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, alleged that the defendants stored firearms at their residence in Gesse Phase II, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, without lawful authority.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty and were granted bail of ₦200 million each, with two sureties in like sum. However, they remain in custody due to a separate money laundering charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
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