By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the alleged terrorism trial of a former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN), and his son, Abdulaziz, till March 10, 2026.
The adjournment was granted by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Wednesday, March 4, following a request by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).
Oyedepo told the court that the prosecution required more time to familiarise itself with the case file, as the file was recently transferred from the State Security Services to the Department of Public Prosecutions.
He said, “We ask your lordship for a very short date. If we have four days, it will be enough.”
The application for adjournment was not opposed by the counsel for the defendants, Adedayo Adedeji.
He, however, urged the court to strike out the case if the prosecution fails to open its case on the next adjourned date, being March 10, alleging lack of diligent prosecution.
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter to March 10 for trial and directed the prosecution to formally open its case.
Recall that the DSS had arraigned Malami and his son on a five-count charge bordering on terrorism financing and illegal firearm possession.
In count one, the DSScharged the former AGF with knowingly abetting terrorism financing by allegedly refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were forwarded to his office while he was AGF.
Malami and his son were charged in counts two to five, with unlawful possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5720 live rounds of cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges, contrary to and punishable under relevant Sections of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and Firearms Act, 2004.
The charge sheet stated that while Malami was the sole defendant in the terrorism financing count, both defendants were jointly charged in the remaining counts relating to possession of firearms and ammunition.
At their first arraignment before Justice Abdumalik on Tuesday, February 3, in the case marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, the defendants pleaded not guilty to all of the charges.
