Nigeria: DSS Arraigns Malami, Son Over Alleged Terrorism

3 February 2026
Daily Trust (Abuja)
By John Chuks Azu

The Department of State Services (DSS) arraigned former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), alongside his son, Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged terrorism-related offences and unlawful possession of firearms.

In the five-count charge before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Tuesday, the DSS alleged that Malami and his son were involved in terrorism financing, preparatory acts linked to terrorism, and violations of the Firearms Act.

The DSS alleged that Malami, who served as Nigeria's chief law officer between 2015 and 2023, knowingly abetted terrorism financing by allegedly refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were forwarded to his office during his tenure, which breached Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The defendants were also accused of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, allegedly discovered at their residence in Gesse Phase II, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State, in December 2025.

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According to the charge sheet, the DSS alleged that the defendants were found in possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5.20 live rounds of ammunition, and 27 expended cartridges, without the requisite licences, contrary to provisions of both the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and the Firearms Act, 2004.

The prosecution further alleged that the possession constituted conduct in preparation for acts of terrorism, an offence punishable under Section 29 of the Terrorism Act.

However, the defendants pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Following the plea, prosecuting counsel, Dr. C. S. Eze, applied for the remand of the defendants in DSS custody pending the commencement of trial, citing the gravity of the allegations and national security considerations.After the plea, lead defence counsel, S. A. Alua (SAN) made an oral application for bail on behalf of the defendants.In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik held that the court do not entertain a formal written bail application, and declined to consider the oral request.

The court consequently adjourned the matter to February 20 for hearing on the bail application and possible commencement of trial.

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