By Obinna Uballa
The federal government on Wednesday re-arraigned former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a five-count amended charge bordering on alleged terrorism-related offences and unlawful possession of firearms.
The defendants appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, where the prosecution informed the court that it had substituted the earlier charge with a fresh amended version, which had already been served on the defendants.
Prosecution counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, told the court that the amended charge was necessary for the continuation of proceedings, while defence counsel, Shuaibu Arua, SAN, confirmed receipt of the new charges and stated that the defendants were not opposed to the amendment.
Following the absence of objection, Justice Abdulmalik struck out the earlier charge and ordered that the amended charge be read to the defendants in open court.
Both Malami and his son pleaded not guilty to all five counts. Their counsel subsequently urged the court to allow them continue to enjoy the bail earlier granted, a request the court approved after the prosecution raised no objection.
The New Diplomat had reported that the court had on February 27 granted the defendants bail in the sum of N200 million each, with two sureties in like sum.
The matter was adjourned till May 26 for the prosecution to open its case and call witnesses.
In the amended charge, the defendants are accused of offences allegedly committed in December 2025 at Geeze Phase II area of Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.
In count one, they were alleged to have engaged in preparation to commit acts of terrorism by allegedly possessing, without a licence, a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 rounds of Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges, an offence said to be contrary to Section 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Count two alleges conspiracy between both defendants to prepare for acts of terrorism through the said possession, contrary to Section 26(1) of the same Act and punishable under Section 26(3).
They are also separately accused in counts three, four and five of unlawful possession of firearms, live ammunition, and expended cartridges without licence, contrary to provisions of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The case stems from earlier proceedings in which Malami and his son were arraigned on February 3 on similar five-count charges involving alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of arms and ammunition.
The court had previously granted them bail while awaiting trial.
The prosecution is expected to present witnesses and tender exhibits when proceedings resume in May
