The Department of State Services has re-arraigned former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on an amended charge bordering on alleged terrorism and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
The defendants were re-arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik after the prosecution filed an amended charge to replace the earlier one.
At the hearing, counsel to the DSS, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that a fresh charge had been filed and requested that the previous one be withdrawn and replaced with the amended version.
Counsel for the defendants, Shaibu Aruwa (SAN), confirmed that his clients had been served with the amended charge and did not object to it being read for a fresh plea.
The amended charge alleges that Malami and his son, sometime in December 2025 at Geeze Phase II Area in Birnin Kebbi, within the jurisdiction of the court, prepared to commit acts of terrorism by possessing a firearm and ammunition without a licence.
According to the charge, the items allegedly found in their possession include a Sturm Magnum 17–0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar cartridges.
The prosecution said the alleged offence contravenes Section 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
Another count in the amended charge accused the defendants of conspiring to prepare acts of terrorism through unlawful possession of the firearm and ammunition, contrary to Section 26 of the same law.
When the charges were read, both defendants pleaded not guilty.
Following the plea, the DSS counsel requested a date for the commencement of trial.
Defence counsel urged the court to allow the defendants to continue on the bail earlier granted to them, noting that they had met all the conditions.
Justice Abdulmalik granted the request, ruling that the defendants should remain on the bail earlier granted on February 27 since they had complied with the conditions.
The court subsequently adjourned the case to May 26 and June 15 for trial.
