Court Approves ₦200 Million Bail For Malami And Son In Alleged Terrorism Case

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday granted bail to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, setting the sum at ₦200 million each in connection with alleged terrorism-related offences. According to court records, the presiding judge, Joyce Abdulmalik, ordered the defendants to provide two sureties each of similar value, with one required to present the title deed of a developed property in either Asokoro or Maitama, Abuja.

As part of the bail conditions, the court also directed the deposit of the defendants’ international passports. Malami and his son were arraigned on February 3 on a five-count charge involving alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.

Authorities accused Malami of refusing to prosecute individuals allegedly involved in terrorism financing whose case files had been forwarded to the Office of the Attorney-General. The charge sheet alleges that the former AGF “knowingly abetted terrorism financing” by declining to initiate prosecution, contrary to Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The Department of State Services also claimed that Malami and his son were found in possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges at their Birnin Kebbi residence without a licence. The prosecution argued that such possession amounted to preparation for an act of terrorism, in violation of Section 29 of the same Act.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to all counts. A.U. Igwe, counsel for the prosecution, informed the court that the case file had been forwarded to the Department of Public Prosecution for further action. Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to March 4 for hearing.