Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has officially taken over the prosecution of former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami (SAN) and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, who are facing allegations linked to terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.
The development was disclosed during proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja when the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), informed the court that the case file had been transferred from the Department of State Services (DSS) to the Office of the Attorney-General.
According to the prosecution, the transfer will allow the Attorney-General’s office to review the case thoroughly before proceeding with trial.
Oyedepo requested a short adjournment to enable the prosecution team to study the case documents and make an informed decision on how to proceed.
He told the court that a few days would be sufficient to prepare for the next stage of the trial.
However, counsel for the defendants, Adedayo Adedeji (SAN), did not oppose the adjournment but insisted that the charges should be struck out if the prosecution fails to open its case on the next adjourned date.
He argued that the prosecution must demonstrate diligence in handling the matter.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the case until March 10, 2026, directing the prosecution to formally begin its case on that date.
Malami and his son are facing charges filed by the DSS, including allegations that the former minister knowingly failed to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers while serving as Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.
The prosecution also alleges that both defendants unlawfully kept firearms at their residence in Gesse Phase II, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, without proper authorization.
Investigators claim that in December 2025 the defendants possessed a Sturm Magnum firearm, along with 16 live cartridges and 27 expended cartridges, which prosecutors say could constitute preparatory acts linked to terrorism.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty when they were first arraigned in court on February 3, 2026.
The court granted them bail of N200 million each, with two sureties in the same amount.
They were also ordered to surrender their international passports and meet strict bail conditions while the case proceeds.
