Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, on Wednesday appeared again before the Federal High Court in Abuja following the filing of an amended five-count charge by the federal government bordering on alleged terrorism-related offences and unlawful possession of firearms.
The defendants were arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, where the prosecution informed the court that the earlier charge had been substituted with an amended version already served on the defence.
Prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, told the court that the amendment was intended to streamline the case for trial, while defence counsel, Shuaibu Arua, SAN, confirmed receipt of the new charge and indicated that the defendants had no objection.
With no opposition from either side, Justice Abdulmalik struck out the earlier charge and directed that the amended charge be read to the defendants in open court.
Both Malami and his son pleaded not guilty to all five counts preferred against them.
Following their plea, defence counsel urged the court to allow them continue enjoying the bail earlier granted, a request the prosecution did not oppose and was subsequently granted.
The court had earlier, on February 27, admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N200 million each, with two sureties in like sum.
The case was adjourned until May 26 for the prosecution to open its case and present witnesses.
Court documents show that the alleged offences were said to have occurred in December 2025 at Geeze Phase II area of Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.
In count one, the defendants were accused of preparation to commit acts of terrorism by allegedly possessing, without licence, a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live rounds of Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges, contrary to Section 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Count two alleges that both men conspired to commit the said offence, contrary to Section 26(1) of the same Act and punishable under Section 26(3).
The remaining counts border on unlawful possession of firearms, live ammunition, and expended cartridges without authorisation, contrary to provisions of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The amended charge replaces earlier filings in which the defendants were initially arraigned on February 3 on similar allegations involving terrorism financing and illegal arms possession.
The prosecution is expected to open its case when proceedings resume on May 26, with witnesses and exhibits to be presented before the court.
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