Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, on Wednesday pleaded not guilty to a five-count amended charge bordering on alleged illegal possession of firearms filed by the Federal Government.
The Department of State Services had earlier, on February 3, 2026, arraigned the defendants on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing, aiding terrorism, and unlawful possession of firearms.
The prosecution also alleged that Malami, while in office, failed to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers, in addition to unlawful possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm and ammunition.
The defendants had previously pleaded not guilty to the initial charges and were granted bail by the court.
At Wednesday’s resumed hearing, prosecution counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, informed the court of an amended charge dated April 14, 2026, which had been served on the defendants.
He applied for the earlier charge dated February 2, 2026, to be struck out and substituted with the amended version to allow for fresh pleas.
Defence counsel, Shaibu Arua, confirmed receipt of the amended charge and did not oppose the application.
Consequently, trial judge Justice Joyce Abdulmalik struck out the earlier charge and discharged the defendants in respect of it. The amended five-count charge was then read to them.
In the amended charge, the defendants were accused of preparing to commit acts of terrorism by allegedly possessing firearms and ammunition without a licence, including a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 rounds of Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges.
The offences were said to contravene provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, Cap F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
After the charges were read, both defendants pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Following their plea, the prosecution urged the court to fix a trial date, while the defence applied for the defendants to continue on the existing bail terms.
The prosecution did not oppose the application.
Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and adjourned the case to May 26 and June 16, 2026, for trial.
