Why the DSS arraigned former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami and his son over terrorism financing and firearms allegations. Click to read full details on what happened in court.
The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday stunned the political and legal landscape after arraigning former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, alongside his son, Abdulaziz Malami, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over grave allegations bordering on terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
The high-profile defendants were docked before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, where the Federal Government preferred a five-count criminal charge against them, a development that has sparked nationwide reactions given Malami’s former position as Nigeria’s chief law officer.
When the case was called, prosecuting counsel Mr. Callistus Eze informed the court that the charge, dated February 2, 2026, and filed on February 3, accused the defendants of acts that allegedly threatened national security.
According to the prosecution, Malami is accused of knowingly abetting terrorism financing during his tenure as Attorney-General by allegedly refusing to prosecute suspected terror financiers whose case files were submitted to his office in November 2022.
The DSS further alleged that the refusal occurred within the Federal Ministry of Justice, raising serious questions about abuse of office, national security compromise, and official complicity.
In addition to the terrorism-related allegation, Malami and his son were jointly charged with unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
The prosecution told the court that in December 2025, at their residence in Gesse Phase II, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State, the defendants were allegedly found in possession of a Sturm Magnum firearm without a valid licence.
They were also accused of unlawfully possessing 16 live rounds and 27 expended Redstar cartridges, contrary to provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004.
All charges were read to the defendants, who pleaded not guilty to every count.
Following the pleas, the prosecution requested that the defendants be remanded in DSS custody, while defence counsel, Mr. Shuiabu Arua, SAN, made an oral application for bail, citing health concerns and the defendants’ two-week detention.
However, Justice Abdulmalik rejected the oral request, stressing that the court is a court of record, and directed the defence to file a formal bail application.
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter to February 20, 2026, for commencement of trial and ordered that both defendants remain in DSS custody pending the hearing and determination of their bail request.
The case, filed under charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, marks one of the most politically sensitive terrorism-related prosecutions in recent times and could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s justice system and security architecture.
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