The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the alleged terrorism trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and his son, Abdulaziz Malami to this month.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik fixed the new date following a request by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of the Federation, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), who told the court that the prosecution needed additional time to properly review the case file.
Oyedepo explained that the matter was recently transferred from the Department of State Services (DSS) to the Department of Public Prosecutions.
“We ask your lordship for a very short date. If we have four days, it will be enough,” Oyedepo told the court.
Counsel for the defendants, Mr. Adedayo Adedeji, did not oppose the application for adjournment. However, he urged the court to strike out the case if the prosecution fails to commence trial on the next adjourned date, citing concerns over diligent prosecution.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the case to March 10 for trial and directed the prosecution to formally open its case on that day.
The DSS had arraigned Malami and his son on a six-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism-related offences.
In one of the counts, the Federal Government alleged that Malami, about four years ago, knowingly abetted terrorism financing by allegedly refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were forwarded to his office while he served as Attorney-General of the Federation.
The offence is said to be contrary to Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
In another count, the prosecution alleged that Malami and his son engaged in conduct preparatory to an act of terrorism by possessing, without a licence, a Sturm Magnum firearm, 16 live cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges at their residence in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, late last year.
They were also accused of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition under the Firearms Act.
At their first appearance in court last month, both defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The trial is expected to commence this month, subject to the prosecution opening its case as directed by the court.
