The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday granted former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, bail in the sum of N200 million each over charges bordering on alleged terrorism and unlawful possession of firearms.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik admitted the defendants to bail after hearing arguments from their lead counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN).
However, the court ordered that they be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the perfection of their bail conditions.
As part of the conditions, Malami and his son are required to produce two sureties each in like sum. One of the sureties must own landed property in either Maitama or Asokoro, Abuja.
The judge further directed that the title documents of the properties be deposited with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court, alongside valid international passports. The sureties are also to depose to affidavits of means and submit two recent passport photographs.
In addition, both defendants were ordered to deposit their international passports and recent passport photographs with the court.
The court fixed March 4 for the commencement of trial.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier arraigned Malami and Abdulaziz on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, the DSS accused Malami of refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were allegedly forwarded to him while he served as AGF and Minister of Justice.
Specifically, the agency alleged in count one that he knowingly abetted terrorism financing by failing to act, contrary to Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
In counts two to five, Malami and his son were charged with unlawful possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges, allegedly recovered from their residence in Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The offences are said to be punishable under relevant provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and the Firearms Act, 2004.