The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday arraigned a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and his son before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of terrorism financing and related offences.
The two defendants were brought before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, where they were charged on five counts. Both Malami and his son pleaded not guilty to all the charges read to them in open court.
According to the charge filed by the DSS, the former Attorney General is accused of deliberately aiding and abetting the financing of terrorism while he was in office. The secret police alleged that Malami failed to act on case files involving suspected terrorism financiers that were reportedly submitted to his office during his tenure as the country’s chief law officer.
The DSS claimed that by failing to initiate prosecution against the suspects, Malami indirectly allowed terrorism financing activities to continue, thereby posing a threat to national security.
The agency also accused Malami and his son of engaging in preparatory acts linked to terrorism by unlawfully possessing prohibited firearms and ammunition without the required licence.
Among the items listed in the charge are a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live Redstar AAA 5.20 cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges of the same brand.
The DSS told the court that the possession of such weapons without proper authorisation violated Nigerian laws and raised serious security concerns, especially given the ongoing fight against terrorism and violent crimes across the country.
Nigeria has for more than a decade battled various security challenges, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West and North-Central, and other forms of violent crimes. Terrorism financing has remained a major issue, as security agencies continue to track the sources of funds used to support armed groups.
During the arraignment, the prosecution explained that the charges against Malami were linked to actions and omissions during his time as Attorney General, a position he held from 2015 to 2023 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
As Attorney General, Malami was responsible for overseeing federal prosecutions and providing legal advice to the government. The DSS alleged that he had a duty to act on terrorism-related case files submitted to his office but failed to do so.
The agency did not disclose the names of the suspected terrorism financiers mentioned in the charge, but it insisted that the failure to prosecute them amounted to aiding terrorism financing.
The court was also told that Malami had previously been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations related to fraud and money laundering.
Although details of the EFCC case were not fully presented during the court session, the prosecution mentioned it as part of the background to the current charges.
Malami’s legal team, however, maintained that the former Attorney General is innocent and would defend himself against the allegations.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all five counts, paving the way for a full trial.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, after listening to the pleas, adjourned the case to a later date for further proceedings. The judge is expected to consider issues relating to bail and trial dates at the next hearing.
The arraignment of a former Attorney General on terrorism-related charges has drawn public attention, given the sensitivity of the allegations and Malami’s past role in government.
Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, served as Attorney General for eight years and was one of the longest-serving ministers in the Buhari administration. During his tenure, he handled several high-profile legal and political matters, including corruption cases, security-related prosecutions, and advisory roles to the federal government.
He was also involved in the implementation of various government policies and legal reforms. However, his time in office was not without controversy, as he faced criticism from civil society groups and opposition figures over some legal decisions taken by his office.
The DSS case adds to the growing list of legal battles involving former public office holders since the change of government in 2023.
In recent months, anti-corruption and security agencies, including the DSS and EFCC, have stepped up actions against individuals accused of financial crimes, abuse of office, and security-related offences.
The Federal Government has repeatedly said it is committed to fighting terrorism and cutting off funding sources for violent groups. Authorities have stressed that anyone found to be involved in terrorism financing, regardless of status or position, will be prosecuted.
Meanwhile, the allegation of illegal possession of firearms is a separate offence under Nigerian law and carries serious penalties if proven.
As the case moves forward, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how the trial unfolds and what evidence the DSS will present in court.
For now, Malami and his son remain innocent in the eyes of the law, having pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The court is expected to fix a new date for the continuation of the case, during which arguments on bail and trial procedures may be addressed.