Federal Government Amends Charges Against Former Attorney-General Malami and Son
The Federal Government has taken a significant step in the ongoing legal proceedings against former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami. In a notable development during yesterday's court session, the government formally amended the charges against both defendants, completely dropping the serious allegation of terrorism financing that had been part of the original indictment.
Court Proceedings and Charge Amendment
During the proceedings at the Federal High Court, counsel representing the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinlolu Kehinde, formally informed the court about the amended charges. Kehinde specifically requested leave to substitute the earlier charge with the newly revised version, which now focuses exclusively on the alleged illegal possession of firearms. This strategic legal move represents a substantial narrowing of the case against the former government official and his family member.
Defense counsel Shaibu Aruwa confirmed that he had received the amended charge document and raised no objections to its formal reading in court. Following this procedural step, both Abubakar Malami and his son Abdulaziz entered pleas of not guilty to the revised charges, maintaining their position of innocence regarding the firearms allegations.
Judicial Rulings and Trial Schedule
Presiding Justice Joyce Abdulmalik made several important determinations during the session. The judge ruled that both defendants should continue operating under the same bail conditions that were originally granted on February 27 of this year. These conditions had previously allowed their release from custody while the legal process continues.
The court subsequently established a clear timeline for the upcoming trial proceedings. Justice Abdulmalik formally adjourned the matter to May 26 for the commencement of trial, with additional proceedings scheduled for June 15. This scheduling provides both prosecution and defense teams with specific dates to prepare their respective cases regarding the firearms possession allegations.
Background and Case Evolution
The prosecution's case centers on allegations that arms and live cartridges were recovered from Malami's residence in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State. These recovered items now form the exclusive basis for the current charge of illegal firearms possession, following the removal of the terrorism financing allegations.
Originally, the DSS had arraigned both defendants on February 3 on a comprehensive five-count charge that included both terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms. The initial allegations had specifically accused the former Attorney-General of failing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers despite receiving relevant case files during his tenure in office, adding a significant dimension to the case that has now been removed through the amendment.
On February 27, both Abubakar Malami and his son Abdulaziz were granted bail under specific conditions. The court had set bail at N200 million for each defendant, requiring two sureties who could provide the same amount as guarantee. These bail conditions remain in effect as the case progresses toward trial on the narrowed charges.
The amended charges represent a substantial shift in the government's legal approach to this high-profile case, focusing the proceedings specifically on firearms possession allegations while removing the more complex terrorism financing accusations that had initially been part of the indictment against the former government official and his family member.
