Alleged terrorism financing: Court grants Malami, son N400m bail

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted bail to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, in the sum of N200 million each over alleged terrorism-related offences.

The presiding judge, Joyce Abdulmalik, ruled that both defendants must provide two sureties each in like sum. The court further ordered that one of the sureties must present the title deed of a developed property located in either Asokoro or Maitama, Abuja. In addition, the defendants were directed to deposit their international passports with the court.

Malami and his son were arraigned on February 3 on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms. They pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

The Department of State Services (DSS) accused the former AGF of refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to his office for action. According to the charge sheet, Malami allegedly “knowingly abetted terrorism financing” by declining to initiate prosecution against the suspects, an offence said to be contrary to Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The DSS also alleged that Malami and his son were found 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 valid licence.

The prosecution further claimed that the possession of the firearm and ammunition constituted preparation to commit an act of terrorism, contrary to Section 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Counsel to the prosecution, A.U. Igwe, informed the court that the case file had been transferred to the Department of Public Prosecution for further handling.

Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to March 4 for hearing.