By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulazeez Malami, on a five-count charge bordering on terrorism financing and illegal firearm possession.
They were arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdumalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, February 3.
In count one of the charge, the DSS charged the former AGF with knowingly abetting terrorism financing.
The ex-AGF and his son are 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, 202,2 and Firearms Act, 2004.
The charge sheet stated that while Malami was the sole defendant in the terrorism financing count, both defendants are jointly charged in the remaining counts relating to possession of firearms and ammunition.
Malami and Abdulaziz pleaded not guilty when the counts in the charge sheet were read to them.
Following their not guilty pleas, the prosecuting counsel, Calistus Eze, prayed for a date for the trial to begin and also asked the court to remand the defendants in DSS custody pending further proceedings.
Responding, defence lawyer, Shuaibu Aruwan (SAN), made an oral application for bail for the defendants, arguing that they have been in DSS custody for over two weeks.
The trial judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, in a short ruling, asked the lawyer to file a formal application for bail.
“This is a court of record, so I order counsel to file and serve a formal bail application,” the judge said.
She adjourned the matter till February 20 for the trial to begin and ordered that the defendants be remanded in DSS custody pending the hearing and determination of their bail application.
