Alleged Terrorism: Court Grants ₦200m Bail to Malami, Son, Orders Remand in Kuje Prison

Alleged Terrorism: Court Grants ₦200m Bail to Malami, Son, Orders Remand in Kuje Prison

The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has granted ₦200 million bail each to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, over charges bordering on alleged terrorism, terrorism financing, and illegal possession of firearms.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the bail on Friday while ruling on an application argued by the defendants’ lead counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN). However, the court ordered that both defendants be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of their bail conditions.

As part of the bail terms, the court directed that Mr Malami and his son must each provide two sureties in the sum of ₦200 million. One of the sureties for each defendant must own landed property in Maitama or Asokoro, two prime districts in Abuja. The title documents of the properties are to be deposited with the court’s deputy chief registrar.

The judge further ordered that the sureties must submit affidavits of means, valid international passports, and two recent passport photographs. In addition, both Mr Malami and Abdulaziz were directed to deposit their international passports and passport photographs with the court.

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Justice Abdulmalik subsequently fixed March 4 for the commencement of trial.

The defendants were arraigned by the State Security Service (SSS) on a five-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, bordering on terrorism-related offences and unlawful possession of firearms.

According to the prosecution, Mr Malami allegedly refused to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were forwarded to him during his tenure as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, an action the SSS claims amounts to abetting terrorism financing, contrary to Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The SSS further alleged that Mr Malami and his son unlawfully stored firearms and ammunition at their residence in the Gesse Phase II area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area, Kebbi State, without lawful authority.

Specifically, the defendants were accused of possessing one Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges, offences said to be punishable under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and the Firearms Act, 2004.

The case has attracted nationwide attention due to Mr Malami’s former role as Nigeria’s chief law officer and the sensitive nature of terrorism and national security cases in Nigeria.

Alleged Terrorism: Court Grants ₦200m Bail to Malami, Son, Orders Remand in Kuje Prison