By Anthony Otaru, Abuja
The Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday arraigned former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged terrorism-related offences and unlawful possession of firearms.
The defendants were docked on a five-count charge, which includes allegations that Malami, while serving as Nigeria’s chief law officer, deliberately failed to prosecute suspected financiers of terrorism whose case files were submitted to his office.
According to the DSS, both Malami and his son also unlawfully kept firearms and ammunition at their residence in Gesse Phase II, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State, without the required legal authorisation.
The alleged offences are said to be contrary to provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges when the charge sheet was read in open court.
Following their plea, prosecuting counsel, Calistus Eze, requested that the court remand the defendants into the custody of the DSS and set a trial date.
However, defence counsel, Shuaibu Aruwan (SAN), made an oral bail application, arguing that his clients had already spent more than two weeks in DSS detention.
The presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, refused the oral application, stating that bail requests must be made through a formal written application, as the court is a court of record.
She subsequently ordered that both defendants remain in DSS custody and adjourned the matter until February 20 for the commencement of the trial.
