The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, bail in the sum of ₦200 million each over charges bordering on alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who delivered the ruling on Thursday, ordered that the duo be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the perfection of the stringent bail conditions.
Ruling on separate bail applications argued by lead defence counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, the judge held that the defendants were entitled to bail but must meet strict conditions to ensure their availability for trial.
Justice Abdulmalik ordered Malami and his son to provide two sureties each, one of whom must own landed property in either Maitama or Asokoro districts of Abuja.
“The title documents of the said properties must be deposited with the Deputy Chief Registrar of this court, alongside valid international passports of the sureties,” the judge ruled.
She further directed that the sureties must depose to affidavits of means and submit two recent passport photographs to the court. The defendants were also ordered to submit their own international passports and recent passport photographs.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to next month for the commencement of trial.
Malami and his son are standing trial following their arraignment by the Department of State Services on a five-count charge bordering on terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to the charge, Malami allegedly refused to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to him while he served as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.
Both defendants are also accused of unlawfully warehousing firearms at their residence in Gesse Phase II Area of Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State, without lawful authority.
In count one, the DSS accused the former AGF of knowingly abetting terrorism financing. Counts two to five alleged that Malami and his son unlawfully possessed a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 rounds of Redstar AAA 5720 live cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges.
The offences are said to be contrary to and punishable under relevant provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004.
