The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami and his son, Abdulaziz, to February 27, 2024. The adjournment was granted by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Friday, following a public holiday declared by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for the area council elections scheduled for February 17. Court observations indicated minimal activity at the courthouse, with few staff present and no legal representatives or parties, including the defendants, in attendance due to the declared work-free day.
The case, initiated by the State Security Service (SSS), stems from an arraignment on February 3, 2024, where the former AGF and his son were charged with five counts. These include terrorism, illegal possession of firearms, and Malami’s alleged refusal to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers while in office. The charges, detailed in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, also accuse both men of unlawfully storing firearms at their residence in Gesse Phase II, Kebbi State. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all counts.
During the arraignment, prosecuting counsel Calistus Eze requested that the court remand the defendants in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) and fix a date for trial. Defense lawyer Shuaibu Aruwan, SAN, orally applied for bail, arguing that his clients had already been in DSS detention for more than two weeks. Justice Abdulmalik rejected the oral bail application, emphasizing that her court requires formal written motions. She ordered the defendants remanded in DSS custody and initially scheduled the trial to begin on February 20.
That date has now been shifted to February 27 due to the public holiday. The defense is expected to file formal bail applications before the next court date. The trial will address serious allegations, including terrorism-related offenses, which under Nigerian law carry substantial penalties. Malami, who served as Attorney-General from 2015 to 2023 under President Muhammadu Buhari, faces scrutiny over actions taken during his tenure. The case continues with the defendants in DSS custody as the court prepares for the commencement of proceedings.
