A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed May 26, 2026, for the Department of State Services (DSS) to commence trial in the alleged terrorism case against former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz.
At Wednesday’s proceedings, prosecution counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that an amended five-count charge had been filed to replace the earlier one on which the defendants were arraigned. He applied to withdraw the initial charge and requested that the amended charge be read for fresh pleas.
Defence counsel, Shaibu Aruwa (SAN), confirmed receipt of the amended charge and did not oppose the application. The new charge was subsequently read in court, and both defendants pleaded not guilty.
Following the plea, the prosecution sought a date for trial, while the defence urged the court to allow the defendants to continue on the bail earlier granted to them.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the request, ruling that Malami and his son should remain on the existing bail terms earlier approved on February 27, having met the conditions.
The court thereafter adjourned the matter to May 26 and June 15 for trial.
According to the amended charge, the defendants are alleged to have, in December 2025, possessed without licence a firearm—identified as a Sturm Magnum 17 – 0101—along with 16 live rounds of Redstar AAA cartridges and 27 expended cartridges in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.
The prosecution further alleged that the defendants conspired to commit acts of terrorism and unlawfully possessed the firearm and ammunition, contrary to provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act.
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