A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday adjourned the trial of former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, until February 27.
The case, filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), was adjourned by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik following a public holiday declared by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike ahead of the Abuja council elections scheduled for Saturday.
Few court staff were present during proceedings, and neither Malami nor his son appeared in court. Some lawyers and litigants who came were reportedly turned back due to the minister’s work-free day.
The DSS had arraigned the Malamis on February 3 on a five-count charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, including terrorism-related offenses, illegal possession of firearms, and refusal to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers while Malami served as AGF and Minister of Justice.
The defendants are accused of storing firearms at their residence in Gesse Phase II Area, Birain Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, without lawful authority. Both pleaded not guilty when the charges were read.
After the plea, prosecuting lawyer Calistus Eze requested that the Malamis be remanded in DSS custody and that a trial date be set. Defence counsel Shuaibu Aruwan applied orally for bail, citing that the defendants had been in DSS custody for over two weeks.
Justice Abdulmalik rejected the oral bail request, directing the defence to file a formal application. She ordered that the Malamis remain in DSS custody and adjourned the matter until February 27 for the commencement of trial.
