Malami’s Terrorism Trial Adjourned as AGF Office Assumes Prosecution Role

On Wednesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja rescheduled the terrorism trial involving Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), and his son, Abdulaziz Malami.

Judge Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the trial at the request of the prosecution, who required additional time to review the case details.

This adjournment follows the transfer of prosecutorial duties from the State Security Service (SSS), which had initiated charges against the Malamis last month, to the AGF's office.

Rotimi Oyedepo, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), representing the prosecution, pointed out that the case file was only recently handed over to his office by the SSS.

"We are requesting a brief adjournment. Four days should suffice for us to prepare our case," Mr. Oyedepo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), stated during the court proceedings.

Judge Abdulmalik granted the request and adjourned the matter until March 10, when the prosecution will officially commence its case.

The SSS had previously arraigned Mr. Malami and his son on February 3 on six counts related to terrorism.

The charges allege that Mr. Malami, during his tenure in November 2022, knowingly facilitated terrorism financing by neglecting to prosecute known financiers of terrorism whose cases were submitted to him while he served as AGF.

This alleged conduct violates Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Additionally, another charge claims that Mr. Malami and his son acted in preparation for an act of terrorism by unlawfully possessing a Sturm Magnum firearm, alongside 16 live cartridges and 27 spent cartridges at their residence in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, in December 2025.

The defendants face further accusations related to illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, which are subject to relevant sanctions under the Firearms Act.

Both Malami and his son pleaded not guilty to all charges during their initial court appearance on February 3. A request for bail was made, but Judge Abdulmalik instructed that formal written applications be submitted.

On February 27, she approved their bail on the condition of N200 million each, including restrictions like surrendering their travel documents and providing guarantees with verifiable assets.

In a related matter, the defendants are also facing a distinct money laundering case in the same court. This case additionally involves Mr. Malami's wife, Asabe Bashir.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged the trio with 16 counts of money laundering in Abuja, alleging that from 2015 to 2025, they conspired to obscure and retain proceeds from illegal activities totaling approximately N8.7 billion by employing various corporate entities, bank accounts, and high-value property acquisitions.

Initially brought before Judge Emeka Nwite on December 30, the three were remanded in custody but later granted bail of N500 million each with two sureties.

Following a recess after the Christmas holiday, the case file was reassigned by Chief Judge John Tsoho to another judge, who subsequently withdrew from the case during its first appearance.

Ultimately, the matter was reassigned to Judge Abdulmalik, who is already overseeing the terrorism financing trial against Mr. Malami and his son.

On February 27, prosecutor Jibrin Okutepa, a SAN, submitted requests to amend clerical errors in two counts, adjusting amounts from billions to millions. Mr. Malami and his co-defendants have all entered not guilty pleas concerning these counts.

Judge Abdulmalik mandated the three to return to custody while new bail applications were being processed and rescheduled the trial's commencement and consideration of bail motions.

The EFCC contends that Mr. Malami and family members utilized a sophisticated network of firms and bank accounts to launder suspected proceeds from illicit activities, including hiding funds in corporate accounts and acquiring prime real estate in Abuja, Kano, and other regions.

Additionally, Mr. Malami is entangled in separate asset forfeiture proceedings involving properties across Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and his home state of Kebbi, with nearly N213 billion at stake.