Olayiwola Matthew
A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Abubakar Malami, former attorney-general of the federation (AGF), and his son, Abdulaziz, in the sum of N200 million each over alleged terrorism-related offences.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, the presiding judge of the federal high court, ordered the defendants to provide two sureties each in like sum.
The court ruled that one of the sureties must submit the title deed of a developed property located in either Asokoro or Maitama, Abuja. Malami and his son were also directed to deposit their international passports with the court.
The duo were arraigned on February 3 on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
The Department of State Services (DSS) accused Malami of failing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were allegedly forwarded to the office of the attorney-general for prosecution.
According to the charge sheet, Malami allegedly “knowingly abetted terrorism financing” by declining to initiate prosecution against the suspects, contrary to section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The DSS further alleged that Malami and his son were found in possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live rounds of Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges at their residence in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, without a valid licence.
The prosecution claimed that possession of the firearm and ammunition amounted to preparation to commit an act of terrorism, contrary to section 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
A.U. Igwe, counsel to the prosecution, informed the court that the case file had been transferred to the Department of Public Prosecution for further action.
The matter was adjourned to March 4 for hearing.
