A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, SAN, and his son, Abdulaziz, set at N200 million each, following their arraignment on terrorism financing and illegal firearms charges by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The five-count charge, filed under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, accuses the elder Malami of knowingly abetting terrorism financing by allegedly refusing to prosecute terrorism financiers during his tenure. Both father and son face multiple counts related to the unlawful possession of a Sturm Magnum firearm and ammunition at their residence in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, in December 2025.
In her ruling on Friday, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered the accused to be remanded in Kuje Prison until they perfect the stringent bail conditions. Each must produce two sureties, one of whom must own landed property in either the high-security Maitama or Asokoro districts of Abuja. The title documents for such property must be deposited with the court’s deputy chief registrar, along with the sureties’ valid international passports and an affidavit of means. The sureties must also submit recent passport photographs. Furthermore, Malami and his son are required to surrender their own international passports and photographs to the court.
The judge fixed March 4, 2024, for the commencement of the trial. The bail terms underscore the court’s consideration of the serious nature of the allegations, which involve both the Firearms Act and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act. The case marks a significant legal proceeding for a former senior government official, with the charges carrying severe penalties. The DSS’s prosecution will need to prove the allegations beyond reasonable doubt as the matter proceeds to trial.
