Nigeria’s political and security space was jolted on Tuesday as the Department of State Services (DSS) arraigned former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over grave allegations bordering on terrorism financing, aiding and abetting terrorism, and illegal possession of firearms.
The development marks one of the most serious criminal proceedings ever instituted against a former chief law officer of the federation, raising profound questions about accountability, national security, and the use of state power during previous administrations.
What Happened in Court
The duo was arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, following charges filed by the Nigerian government through the Department of State Services.
Both Malami and his son pleaded not guilty to all the allegations.
Following their plea, prosecuting counsel, Dr. C.S. Eze, applied for the defendants to be remanded in DSS custody pending the commencement of trial. However, Malami’s lead counsel, S.A. Alua (SAN), made an oral application seeking bail for the former minister and his son.
Justice Abdulmalik declined to entertain the bail request, ruling that the court—being a court of record—could only consider a formal written bail application. The matter was thereafter adjourned to February 20 for hearing of the bail application and commencement of trial.
The Charges Explained
According to court documents, the DSS slammed five major counts against the former AGF and his son.
In the most explosive allegation, Malami is accused of knowingly aiding terrorism financing during his tenure as Attorney General by allegedly refusing to prosecute identified terrorism financiers whose case files were submitted to his office in November 2022. Prosecutors argue that this omission amounted to abetment under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The remaining counts relate to alleged illegal possession of firearms and ammunition discovered at Malami’s residence in Birnin Kebbi in December 2025. The items reportedly include a Sturm Magnum firearm, live cartridges, and expended shells, all allegedly held without valid licences.
The prosecution further alleges that the possession of these weapons constituted preparatory acts of terrorism, a charge that significantly escalates the gravity of the case.
Why This Case Matters
This arraignment goes beyond an ordinary criminal trial. Abubakar Malami served as Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice for eight years, a position that placed him at the heart of national security decisions, terrorism prosecutions, and enforcement of the rule of law.
The allegation that a former AGF deliberately failed to prosecute terrorism financiers strikes at the credibility of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism framework and raises questions about how institutional power may have been abused or compromised.
If proven, the charges could redefine public understanding of the country’s long-running battle against insurgency and extremist violence, especially in the North-West and North-East regions.
Political and Security Implications
The case also has far-reaching political implications. It signals a renewed willingness by the current administration to pursue high-profile figures over national security-related offences, regardless of past influence or status.
For security agencies, the trial represents a critical test of institutional independence and prosecutorial depth. For the judiciary, it presents a sensitive case that will be closely scrutinised locally and internationally for fairness, due process, and political neutrality.
What Happens Next
All eyes are now on February 20, when the court is expected to hear the bail application and formally begin trial proceedings.
Legal experts say the outcome of the bail hearing will offer early signals on how the court views the seriousness of the allegations and the strength of the prosecution’s case.
For now, Malami and his son remain presumed innocent under the law, but the unfolding legal battle is set to dominate Nigeria’s political and security discourse in the coming weeks.
