Malami, Son Granted N200m Bail Each In Terrorism Financing Case
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday granted bail to former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami and his son Abdulaziz in the sum of N200 million each, following their arraignment on charges of alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik delivered the ruling on their separate bail applications, emphasizing that the primary purpose of bail is to secure the defendants’ presence at trial. She stipulated that each must provide two sureties in like sum, with one surety required to own a developed landed property in either Maitama or Asokoro districts of Abuja, and deposit the title deed with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court.
The sureties are also mandated to depose to affidavits of means and submit two recent passport photographs. Additionally, Malami and his son were directed to deposit their passports and recent passport photographs with the court. Pending the perfection of these bail conditions, the court ordered their remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre, with the matter adjourned to March 4 for the commencement of trial.
The Department of State Services arraigned Malami and Abdulaziz on a five-count charge bordering on terrorism financing, conduct preparatory to terrorism, and unlawful possession of firearms. They pleaded not guilty to the charges at the last adjourned date.
During Friday’s proceedings, A.U. Igwe appeared for the prosecution, while J.B. Daudu (SAN) represented the defendants. Daudu informed the court that he had filed two identical bail applications on behalf of his clients and urged the court to grant them bail on liberal terms. The prosecution, on its part, told the court that it had transmitted the case file to the Department of Public Prosecution and sought a date for trial.
In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, the DSS accused Malami of abetting terrorism financing by allegedly refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were forwarded to his office while he served as AGF and Minister of Justice in November 2022.
The security agency further alleged that in December 2025, Malami and his son engaged in conduct preparatory to terrorism by unlawfully possessing a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA live rounds of cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges at their residence in Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
According to the prosecution, the offences contravene provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004.
Malami has denied all the charges against him. How his son is also tied up with the same charges would be a matter of legal interest when the trial commences.