The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday granted former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, bail of N200 million each in a terrorism financing and firearms case brought by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The ruling by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik followed separate bail applications by the defendants. The judge noted that the purpose of bail is to ensure defendants appear for trial and set conditions requiring two sureties each, with one owning a developed property in Maitama or Asokoro, Abuja, and depositing the title deed with the court. Both Malami and his son were directed to surrender their international passports and provide recent passport photographs.
The court ordered that they remain in Kuje Correctional Centre until the bail conditions are perfected and adjourned the trial to March 4.
The DSS had arraigned the Malamis on a five-count charge alleging terrorism financing, preparatory acts for terrorism, and unlawful possession of firearms. They pleaded not guilty. The charges, under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, include accusations that Malami allegedly refused to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers while serving as AGF in November 2022, and that in December 2025 he and his son unlawfully possessed a Sturm Magnum firearm with live and expended cartridges at their residence in Kebbi State. The offences contravene the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004.
At the hearing, A U Igwe represented the prosecution, while Joseph Daudu, SAN, defended the Malamis. Justice Abdulmalik also annulled Malami’s earlier bail in his 16-count money laundering trial, citing the reassignment of the case, which extinguished all previous proceedings, including prior bail.
During Friday’s session, Malami, his son, and wife, Asabe, pleaded not guilty to the amended charges. The defence requested that the original bail conditions be maintained, while the prosecution argued that the court could set new conditions to ensure the defendants’ attendance.
Justice Abdulmalik directed the defence to file a fresh bail application, ordered Malami and his son to be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre, and his wife at Suleja Correctional Centre. The court adjourned the matter to March 6 for the hearing of the new bail application and trial commencement.
