The Federal Government of Nigeria has made a significant adjustment to the legal proceedings involving the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, along with his son, Abdulaziz. In a new development announced on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the government has formally removed the allegation of terrorism financing from the charges filed against the defendants.
Court Session Details and Legal Representation
During a court session held on that date, Akinlolu Kehinde, counsel representing the Department of State Services (DSS), disclosed this amendment and applied for a substitute charge to replace the previous one. This move marks a pivotal shift in the case, as the focus now centers on different legal grounds.
Nature of the Amended Charge
According to reports from The Cable, the newly amended charge specifically borders on the illegal possession of firearms. This change narrows the scope of the allegations, moving away from the more severe terrorism-related accusations that were initially part of the case.
Defense Response and Procedural Steps
On the side of the defense, Shaibu Aruwa, counsel for Abubakar Malami and his son, confirmed that the former minister had been duly served with the amendment. Aruwa further accepted that the fresh charge should be read to the defendant in court, indicating a procedural step forward in the legal process.
This development comes amid ongoing scrutiny of high-profile cases involving former government officials. The adjustment in charges could have implications for the trajectory of the trial and public perception of the justice system's handling of such matters. Legal experts may analyze this move as part of broader trends in Nigerian jurisprudence, particularly in cases with political undertones.
As the case progresses, further updates are expected from the Federal High Court of Nigeria, where the proceedings are taking place. The removal of terrorism financing allegations may simplify the legal arguments or shift the focus to other aspects of the defendants' conduct, depending on evidence presented in future sessions.
