The Federal High Court has approved bail in the sum of N200 million each for former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, who are facing allegations related to terrorism and unlawful possession of firearms.
Delivering the ruling on Friday, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the application moved by the defence counsel, Mr Joseph Daudu, SAN.
Despite the approval of bail, the court directed that the defendants remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre until they meet all stipulated conditions.
As part of the requirements, each defendant is to present two sureties who must undertake to pay the same N200 million sum. One of the sureties must possess landed property located in either Maitama or Asokoro districts of Abuja.
The court further ordered that original title documents of the properties be submitted to the Deputy Chief Registrar, along with the sureties’ valid international passports.
The sureties are also required to swear to affidavits of means and provide two recent passport photographs.
In addition, Malami and his son were instructed to surrender their international passports and submit recent passport photographs to the court.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently scheduled March 4 for the commencement of trial.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the Department of State Services arraigned the defendants on a five-count charge bordering on terrorism and illegal possession of firearms.
In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, filed before the Abuja court, Malami is alleged to have declined to prosecute individuals suspected of financing terrorism, despite case files purportedly being forwarded to him during his tenure as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.
The prosecution also accused the father and son of storing firearms without lawful authority at their residence in Gesse Phase II Area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area, Kebbi State.
Specifically, the DSS alleged in count one that Malami knowingly abetted terrorism financing by failing to prosecute alleged financiers, contrary to Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Counts two through five accuse the defendants of unlawfully possessing a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges.
The prosecuting agency stated that the alleged offences contravene relevant provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and the Firearms Act, 2024, and are punishable under the laws.
