A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the terrorism trial of Former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, to March 10.
Malami and his son, Abdulaziz, were arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) on February 3 on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.
The DSS accused the former justice minister of refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were allegedly forwarded to the office of the attorney-general for legal action.
At the resumed proceedings on Wednesday, Rotimi Oyedepo, director of public prosecution, informed the court that the case file had been transferred to the department of public prosecution (DPP), adding that the prosecution required additional time to familiarise itself with the matter.
Counsel to the defendants, Adedayo Adedeji, did not oppose the request but urged the court to strike out the case if the prosecution fails to commence trial on the next adjourned date, citing lack of diligent prosecution.
Presiding judge, Joyce Abdulmalik, subsequently adjourned the case to March 10 for commencement of trial.
Earlier, on February 27, the court granted Malami and his son bail in the sum of N200 million each with two sureties in like sum.
According to the charge sheet, Malami allegedly “knowingly abetted terrorism financing” by declining to initiate prosecution against certain suspects, contrary to section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The DSS also 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.
Prosecutors further claimed that possession of the firearm and ammunition amounted to preparation to commit an act of terrorism under section 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all counts.
