Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, on Wednesday pleaded not guilty to an amended five-count charge bordering on alleged illegal possession of firearms and terrorism-related offences filed by the Federal Government.
The Department of State Services had initially arraigned the duo on February 3, 2026, on charges bordering on alleged terrorism financing, aiding terrorism, and unlawful possession of firearms.
Malami was also accused of failure to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers while in office, alongside alleged possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm and ammunition.
Both defendants had earlier denied the charges and were granted bail by the court.
At Tuesday’s resumed proceedings, prosecution counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court of an amended charge dated April 14, 2026, which had been served on the defence.
He applied for the substitution of the earlier charge to enable the defendants take a fresh plea.
Defence counsel, Shaibu Arua (SAN), confirmed receipt of the amended charge and raised no objection.
Consequently, trial judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, struck out the earlier charge and formally discharged the defendants in respect of it. The amended five-count charge was thereafter read to them.
The amended charge alleged that Malami and his son, in December 2025, at Geeze Phase II area of Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, conspired to prepare for acts of terrorism by unlawfully possessing a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 rounds of Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges without licence.
They were also accused of unlawful possession of the said firearm and ammunition in violation of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Firearms Act, Cap F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
After the charge was 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 continuation of the existing bail terms. The prosecution did not oppose the request.
In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik granted the application and ordered that the defendants remain on the earlier bail terms. She subsequently fixed May 26 and June 16, 2026, for trial.
Part of the amended charge read that the defendants “did engage in preparation to commit acts of terrorism” by allegedly possessing the listed firearm and ammunition without licence, contrary to relevant provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and the Firearms Act.
The court is expected to commence full hearing on the matter in May.