- Former AGF Abubakar Malami and his son were re-arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on amended terrorism-related charges
- The court struck out the initial charge, read the new five-count charge, and both defendants pleaded not guilty while retaining their existing bail conditions
- The case was adjourned until 26 May, when the prosecution was expected to open its case amid heightened public and legal scrutiny
The Federal Government on Wednesday re-arraigned former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, alongside his son, Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, on a five-count amended charge bordering on alleged terrorism-related offences and unlawful possession of firearms.
The defendants were brought before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The proceedings, initially scheduled for the commencement of trial, instead focused on the introduction of fresh charges by the prosecution.
Counsel for the prosecution, Akinlolu Kehinde, informed the court of the amended charge, noting that it had already been served on the defendants and would replace the earlier filing. Defence counsel, Shuaibu Arua, confirmed receipt of the new charge and indicated that his clients had no objection to its substitution.
Following the absence of opposition, Justice Abdulmalik struck out the initial charge and directed that the amended counts be read in open court. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all five counts.
Defence counsel subsequently urged the court to allow the defendants to continue enjoying the bail earlier granted to them. The court acceded to this request after the prosecution raised no objection. The bail conditions, granted on 27 February, require each defendant to provide N200 million with two sureties in like sum.
The court adjourned the matter until 26 May, when the prosecution is expected to open its case by calling witnesses and tendering evidence.
The amended charge outlines serious allegations. In count one, the defendants are accused of preparing to commit acts of terrorism in December 2025 in the Geeze Phase II area of Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, by possessing a Sturm Magnum firearm and ammunition without a licence, contrary to provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Count two alleges conspiracy to commit terrorism-related acts, while counts three to five relate to the unlawful possession of a firearm, live ammunition, and expended cartridges, respectively, in violation of the Firearms Act.
The case marks a significant development in ongoing legal proceedings involving the former AGF, who was initially arraigned on 3 February on similar charges, including alleged abetment of terrorism financing and arms possession. The outcome of the trial is expected to draw considerable public and legal scrutiny.