ABUJA:  The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled May 26 for the Department of State Services (DSS) to commence its case against the former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, and his son, Abdulaziz.

The defendants are facing charges bordering on alleged terrorism and the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

Amended Charges and Fresh Pleas

At the resumed hearing, the lead counsel for the prosecution, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, informed the court that an amended charge had been filed to supersede the original counts on which the defendants were previously arraigned. Kehinde subsequently applied to withdraw the initial charges, requesting that the amended version be read to the defendants so their pleas could be taken.

Defense counsel Shaibu Aruwa, SAN, confirmed that his clients had been served with the updated charges and raised no objection to the application. Consequently, Malami and his son both pleaded not guilty to the counts read before the court.

Allegations of Terrorism and Firearms Violations

The DSS alleges that in December 2025, in the Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State, the defendants engaged in preparations to commit acts of terrorism. Specifically, the charges state that the duo was found in possession of:

• One Sturm Magnum 17 – 0101 firearm.

• Sixteen (16) Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges.

• Twenty-seven (27) expended Redstar cartridges.

According to the prosecution, these actions violate Section 29 and Section 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as provisions of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Court Ruling on Bail and Adjournment

Following the pleas, the prosecution sought a date for the trial to begin. The defense counsel, while agreeing to a trial date, requested that the court allow the defendants to remain on the bail terms previously granted on February 27, noting that they had already fulfilled the necessary conditions.

With no opposition from the prosecution, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that the defendants should continue on their existing bail. The matter has been adjourned to May 26 and June 15, 2026, for the commencement of the trial.