By Peter Omopo
The Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday re-arraigned former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, before a Federal High Court in Abuja on amended charges bordering on alleged terrorism and unlawful possession of firearms.
At the resumed hearing, prosecution counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that a new charge had been filed to replace the earlier one. He subsequently applied for the withdrawal of the initial charge and requested that the amended charge be read to the defendants for fresh pleas.
Defence counsel, Shaibu Aruwa (SAN), confirmed that the defendants had been served with the amended charge and did not oppose the request for it to be read in court.
Upon reading the new charges, both Malami and his son pleaded not guilty.
According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly, in December 2025, possessed a firearm and ammunition without a valid licence in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State. The items listed include a Sturm Magnum 17 firearm, 16 live rounds of cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges. The DSS further alleged that the possession of these items constituted preparation for acts of terrorism, in violation of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Following the plea, the prosecution sought a date for the commencement of trial. The defence, while not opposing the request, urged the court to allow the defendants to continue on the bail earlier granted to them, noting that they had complied with all conditions.
With no objection from the prosecution, the presiding judge, Joyce Abdulmalik, ruled that the defendants should remain on the existing bail terms granted on February 27.
The court subsequently adjourned the case until May 26 and June 15 for trial.
