ABUJA – The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed 26 May for the State Security Service (SSS) to open its terrorism case against a former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, SAN, and his son, Abdulaziz.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik set the date after the defendants pleaded not guilty to an amended five-count charge.
At Wednesday’s resumed hearing, prosecution counsel Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, informed the court that a fresh charge had been filed to replace the earlier one on which the duo were arraigned. He applied to withdraw the old charge and requested that the amended version be read to the defendants for pleas to be taken afresh.
Defence counsel Shaibu Aruwa, SAN, confirmed that his clients had been served with the amended charge and raised no objection.
Allegations of Terrorism, Illegal Firearms
Messrs Malami and his son are accused of conspiring to commit acts of terrorism in December 2025. The charge states that they possessed, without a licence, a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar cartridges.
The alleged offences took place in the Geeze Phase II Area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area, Kebbi State.
When the amended charge was read to them, both pleaded not guilty. The prosecution then sought a trial date, to which the defence did not object. Mr Aruwa, however, asked the court to allow the defendants to remain on the bail previously granted on 27 February, whose conditions they had already met.
Justice Abdulmalik granted the request, ruling that the earlier bail terms should continue. She adjourned the matter to 26 May and 15 June for trial.
Legal Basis
Count one of the charge alleges preparation to commit terrorism, contrary to Section 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The unlawful possession of the cartridges also contravenes Section 8(1)(b)(ii) of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
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