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

Bandits Kill Scores, Abduct Many in Fresh Attacks Across Northern Nigeria

A fresh wave of coordinated violence has rocked northern Nigeria, with gunmen killing scores of people and abducting dozens across Adamawa, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kwara and Plateau states within 72 hours.

The renewed attacks — linked to suspected Boko Haram insurgents and armed bandit groups — have intensified concerns over worsening insecurity in Northern Nigeria, as communities grapple with repeated raids, mass killings and kidnappings for ransom.

In Adamawa State, the hometown of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, Madagali Local Government Area, came under attack again late Tuesday night. Local sources said suspected Boko Haram insurgents stormed Kirchinga village around midnight, shooting residents and burning homes. Casualty figures from residents put the death toll at no fewer than 24, though the Nigeria Police Force said it was still compiling official numbers. This marks the fourth attack on Madagali in five months, following earlier raids on October 1, November 19, December 8, 2025, and February 24, 2026 — raising fears of renewed insurgent activity in the northeastern corridor. Police spokesperson SP Suleiman Nguroje said authorities were verifying casualty figures and assessing the full scale of destruction.

In Kebbi State, gunmen attacked a mosque in Dadinkowa community, Maiyama Local Government Area, during a nighttime Qur’anic Tafsir session coinciding with Taraweeh prayers. The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed that five worshippers were killed and three others injured when the attackers opened fire around 8:30 p.m. Police spokesperson Bashir Usman described the incident as a reprisal attack by suspected terrorists, adding that security operatives have been deployed to restore calm and begin investigations.

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In Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State, suspected bandits abducted several residents during a late-night raid. Witnesses said the attackers fired sporadically before moving house-to-house. The number of abductees remains unclear. The raid occurred barely a week after 16 residents were kidnapped in the same area, with gunmen reportedly demanding N20 million and three motorcycles as ransom. Recurring bandit attacks in Sokoto have severely disrupted farming activities and daily life, forcing many families to flee.

In Babanla community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, suspected bandits kidnapped four members of the same family from their farmland around 5 a.m. Wednesday. Community sources said five relatives were initially rounded up, but an elderly man was later released while four others were taken to an unknown location. The abduction sparked protests in Ilorin, where youths under the Coalition of Kwara North Youths demanded urgent government intervention to curb escalating violence in Edu, Patigi and Kaiama LGAs.

Meanwhile, in Plateau State, nine victims of a terror attack in Dorowa Babuje community, Barkin Ladi LGA, were laid to rest in a mass burial attended by grieving residents. Governor Caleb Mutfwang, represented by his deputy Ngo Piyo, vowed that perpetrators would face justice.

Security analysts warn that banditry and insurgency in Northern Nigeria are stretching security forces thin. Contributing factors include the proliferation of small arms, vast forest terrain used as hideouts, weak rural policing structures, and economic hardship. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has called for expanded funding for the Nigerian Army Aviation wing to strengthen counter-insurgency and anti-bandit operations.

The latest attacks have left dozens dead, displaced families, forced farmers to abandon fields and deepened fear across rural communities. Residents across affected states are calling for decisive, intelligence-driven military operations and stronger federal-state coordination to halt the spiral of violence.

Bandits Kill Scores, Abduct Many in Fresh Attacks Across Northern Nigeria

Suspected Arsonists Set St. Mary’s Catholic Church Ablaze in Cross River

The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed that officers of the Nigeria Police Force are investigating a suspected arson attack on St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Katchuan Iruan, Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State.

According to ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the state police spokesperson, the attack occurred at about 3:00 a.m. on Thursday, when unknown attackers allegedly set fire to parts of the church building and property. The blaze reportedly destroyed all church records stored in the sacristy and caused extensive damage to parish assets.

In addition to the documents, the attackers torched two vehicles belonging to the parish priest — a Lexus RX 350 Jeep and a Toyota Corolla — parked within the church compound. Police confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and no suspects have been identified so far.

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“The scene has been visited, photographs taken, and the case formally recorded. It has been referred to Okunde Police Station for discreet investigation,” ASP Eitokpah stated, urging the public to provide any information that could help identify the perpetrators.

Local reports indicate that the fire also damaged parts of the church building and possibly some sacred items inside the worship space. Church officials and community members have expressed shock and condemned the attack, emphasizing that it is a direct violation of the sanctity of a place of worship.

Security analysts have warned that attacks on religious institutions in Nigeria are increasingly alarming, highlighting the need for enhanced protection for churches, mosques, and other faith-based facilities. Authorities have assured residents that investigations are being conducted meticulously, and those responsible will face the full force of the law.

Police have appealed to residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies to ensure the protection of religious sites and prevent future incidents.

Suspected Arsonists Set St. Mary’s Catholic Church Ablaze in Cross River