The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled May 26 for the Department of State Services (DSS) to commence its case against former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, SAN, and his son Abdulaziz. The duo appeared in court on Wednesday as the prosecution, represented by Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), filed an amended charge and requested the withdrawal of the initial one. The amended charge alleges that in December 2025, at Geeze Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area in Kebbi State, Malami and his son possessed a Sturm Magnum 17 – 0101 firearm, 16 live Redstar AAA 5'20 cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar rounds without a license. They are charged under Sections 29 and 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and Sections 3 and 8 of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
When the charges were read, both defendants pleaded not guilty. Shaibu Aruwa (SAN), their counsel, confirmed service of the amended charge and did not oppose the reading of the new counts. He requested that the bail granted on February 27 be maintained, a position not contested by the prosecution. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered that Abubakar Malami and Abdulaziz remain on the existing bail terms and adjourned the trial to May 26 and June 15 for hearing.
Abubakar Malami, once a powerful legal architect of the last administration, now faces formal terrorism-related charges in a courtroom, marking a dramatic reversal of fortune. The specific allegation—possession of a single firearm and ammunition without a license—stands in stark contrast to the gravity of terrorism charges, raising immediate questions about the legal framing of the case.
The decision to prosecute under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, for what appears to be a firearms licensing violation, suggests a potential overreach or strategic escalation by the DSS. This case emerges amid a broader pattern of former high-level officials facing legal actions after leaving office, often through agencies like the DSS and EFCC. The timing and nature of the charges invite scrutiny about whether the justice system is being used to settle political scores.
Ordinary Nigerians, particularly those familiar with the slow and selective nature of accountability, may view this case with skepticism. If the state applies terrorism laws to firearms possession by a former official, it sets a precedent that could affect others in similar situations, especially if enforcement remains inconsistent.
This case fits a growing trend where ex-government figures are prosecuted shortly after exit, often on technicalities wrapped in severe legal language. The outcome may signal how the current administration chooses to balance accountability with fairness in high-profile cases.
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