The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and his son, Abdulaziz, ₦200 million bail each over alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik approved the bail on Friday after arguments by defence counsel Joseph Daudu (SAN), but ordered that both defendants remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of their bail conditions. The trial is scheduled for March 4, 2026.
Under the conditions, Malami and his son must each provide two sureties in like sum. At least one surety must own landed property in Maitama or Asokoro, Abuja, with title documents deposited before the court. They are also required to submit their international passports and recent passport photographs.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had arraigned the duo on a five-count charge, alleging that Malami failed to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers while in office and unlawfully possessed firearms at their residence in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State. The charges include possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges, contrary to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Firearms Act 2004.
Separately, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) re-arraigned Malami, his wife Asabe Bashir, and Abdulaziz on 16 counts of alleged money laundering before Justice Abdulmalik. During proceedings, EFCC counsel Jibrin Okutepa (SAN) amended two counts, reducing the alleged sums from billions of naira to ₦325 million and ₦120 million, a move granted without objection.
All defendants pleaded not guilty. Malami and his son had earlier been remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre, while Asabe was held at Suleja Correctional Centre before being granted ₦500 million bail each with two sureties on January 7, 2026.
The court adjourned the money laundering case, while the terrorism and firearms matter awaits the perfection of bail conditions.
