Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, in a high-profile case involving terrorism and illegal firearms possession. The bail amount has been set at N200 million, with strict conditions imposed by the court.
Court Orders Remand and Bail Conditions
In a ruling delivered on February 27, Justice Abdulmalik admitted the defendants to bail while ordering their remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre until the bail conditions are perfected. The bail applications were argued by their lead counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, who presented the case for their temporary release.
Stringent Surety Requirements
The judge mandated that both Malami and his son must provide two sureties each. One of these sureties is required to own landed property in either Maitama or Asokoro, two of Abuja's most prestigious neighborhoods. The title documents for this property must be deposited with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Court, along with valid international passports.
Additionally, the sureties must depose to an affidavit of means and submit two recent passport photographs to the court. Malami and his son themselves are also ordered to surrender their international passports and recent passport photographs as part of the bail conditions.
Charges and Allegations
The Department of State Services (DSS) had arraigned the former AGF and his son on a five-count charge that includes serious allegations of terrorism financing and illegal firearms possession. According to the charges, Malami is accused of refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers during his tenure as Attorney General and Minister of Justice, despite having their case files.
Both defendants face allegations of warehousing firearms at their residence in Gesse Phase II Area, Birain Kebbi Local Government Area, Kebbi State, without lawful authority. The specific charges include knowingly abetting terrorism financing and unlawful possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, along with 16 Redstar AAA 5720 live rounds of cartridges and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5'20 cartridges.
Legal Framework and Trial Date
These charges fall under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and the Firearms Act, 2004, both of which carry significant penalties. Justice Abdulmalik has scheduled March 4 for the commencement of the trial, marking the next phase in this closely watched legal proceeding.
The case has drawn national attention due to Malami's former position as the nation's chief law officer and the serious nature of the allegations involving terrorism and illegal weapons. The court's decision to grant bail with substantial conditions reflects the gravity of the charges while allowing the defendants to prepare for their defense.
