Terrorism Financing Trial of Malami, Son Adjourned Again

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday adjourned the terrorism financing and illegal firearm possession trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, until 15 and 16 April.

The trial was stalled for the second time in six days after the prosecution, citing a change of lawyer, requested additional time to consult witnesses. Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Akinlolu Kehinde, who recently took over the prosecution, told the court he received instructions only on Monday and needed time to interface with witnesses. The defence, led by SAN Shuaibu Arua, did not oppose the adjournment. Trial judge Joyce Abdulmalik granted the request.

The defendants were initially arraigned on six terrorism-related charges filed by the State Security Service (SSS) in January. The government alleges that Malami, while serving as AGF, knowingly abetted terrorism financing by failing to prosecute suspected financiers. Both father and son are also accused of possessing a Sturm Magnum firearm and ammunition without a licence at their Birnin Kebbi residence in December 2025. They have pleaded not guilty to all charges and were granted bail of N200 million each.

Separately, Malami, his son, and his wife, Asabe Bashir, face 16 money laundering charges involving alleged proceeds of unlawful activity worth about N8.7 billion between 2015 and 2025. This case, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is also before the Federal High Court. The trio pleaded not guilty and were granted bail of N500 million each.

Malami is additionally involved in separate asset forfeiture proceedings over properties across Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and Kebbi, valued at nearly N213 billion.

The new April dates will allow the prosecution to formally open its case and continue trial proceedings.

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