Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, on Wednesday pleaded not guilty to a five-count amended charge bordering on alleged illegal possession of firearms filed against them by the Federal Government.
The Department of State Services had on February 3, 2026, arraigned the defendants on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing, aiding terrorism, and illegal possession of firearms. They had earlier pleaded not guilty and were granted bail.
At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, prosecution counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, informed the court of an amended charge dated April 14, 2026, which he said had been served on the defendants. He urged the court to substitute the earlier charge to enable the defendants to take a fresh plea.
Defence counsel, Shaibu Arua, confirmed receipt of the amended charge. Consequently, trial judge Justice Joyce Abdulmalik struck out the earlier charge and discharged the defendants in respect of it.
The court thereafter ordered that the amended five-count charge be read to the defendants.
In the amended charge, the defendants were accused of preparing to engage in acts of terrorism by allegedly possessing firearms without a licence, including a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges.
The offences are said to be contrary to provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act.
After the charge was read, the defendants pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Following the plea, Kehinde urged the court to fix a trial date. The defence counsel prayed the court to allow the defendants to continue on the bail earlier granted to them, which the prosecution did not oppose.
In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and fixed May 26 and June 16, 2026, for trial.
