By Peter Omopo
The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday arraigned former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged terrorism-related offences.
The defendants were brought before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on a five-count charge bordering on alleged abetment of terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms. Both Malami and his son pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
According to the charge sheet, the DSS accused the former Attorney-General of knowingly aiding terrorism financing by allegedly failing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to his office during his tenure for legal action.
The agency further alleged that Malami and his son engaged in preparatory acts linked to terrorism by unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition without the required licence. The items listed in the charge include a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm and sixteen rounds of Redstar AAA 5.20 live ammunition.
The prosecution maintained that the alleged offences contravene relevant provisions of Nigeria’s anti-terrorism and firearms laws.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to a later date to allow for further proceedings, including consideration of bail applications.
The DSS has not released additional details on the circumstances surrounding the arrest and investigation of the defendants.
