Court Grants N200m Bail Each For Malami And Son In ‘Terrorism Financing’ Trial

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz.

The court fixed their bail at N200 million each over allegations linked to terrorism-related offences.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that each defendant must provide two sureties who will also guarantee N200 million.

She added that one of the sureties must submit the title documents of a developed property located in either Asokoro or Maitama in Abuja.

The judge also ordered both men to surrender their international passports.

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Malami and his son were brought before the court on February 3 on a five-count charge that includes alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.

The Department of State Services (DSS) accused Malami of failing to prosecute individuals suspected of financing terrorism, even though their case files were reportedly sent to his office while he was AGF.

According to the charges, Malami allegedly “knowingly supported terrorism financing” by not taking legal action against the suspects, which the prosecution said violates section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The DSS also claimed that Malami and his son kept a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 gun, 16 live Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges, and 27 used cartridges at their home in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, without a valid licence.

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Prosecutors argued that having the weapon and ammunition without authorisation amounted to preparation for terrorism, contrary to section 29 of the same 2022 law.

Both defendants denied all the charges.

Lawyer A.U. Igwe, representing the prosecution, informed the court that the case file has now been handed over to the Department of Public Prosecution for further action.

The judge adjourned the case until March 4 for continuation of hearing.

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