By Yemi Oyeyemi, Abuja
The quiet tension of the Federal High Court in Abuja was briefly stirred on Wednesday as a high-profile case took a decisive turn. The court fixed May 26 as the date the Department of State Services (DSS) will formally open its case against former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, over allegations tied to terrorism.
As proceedings began, prosecuting counsel Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN) informed the court of a strategic shift: the original charge had been set aside, replaced by a revised version. He requested permission to withdraw the earlier charge and have the amended one read anew, so fresh pleas could be entered.
Defence counsel Shaibu Aruwa (SAN) confirmed receipt of the updated charge and raised no objections. With that, the court clerk read out the new allegations – serious claims centered on unlawful possession of weapons and preparations allegedly linked to terrorist activity.
When asked to respond, both Malami and his son stood firm, entering pleas of not guilty.
The prosecution then pressed for a trial date, signaling readiness to proceed. The defence, while not opposing the timeline, made a crucial appeal: that the defendants remain on the bail previously granted to them. The court noted that all bail conditions had already been satisfied.
With no resistance from the prosecution, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled in favor of the defence’s request. The father and son would remain free on bail pending trial.
The judge subsequently adjourned proceedings to May 26 and June 15, dates now set for the unfolding of what promises to be a closely watched legal battle.
At the heart of the case are allegations that, in December 2025, within the Geeze Phase II area of Birnin Kebbi, the defendants unlawfully possessed a firearm – a Sturm Magnum pistol – along with live ammunition and spent cartridges. Prosecutors argue that this possession formed part of preparations to commit acts of terrorism, as well as a conspiracy to do so.
Additional counts accuse them of breaching provisions of Nigeria’s Firearms Act by holding both the weapon and ammunition without the required licenses.
For now, the courtroom has gone quiet again—but come late May, all eyes will return as the DSS begins to lay out its case in full.
