Court grants Malami, son N200m bail in terrorism case

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, in the sum of N200 million each over allegations of terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.

Delivering her ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik stated that bail is intended to guarantee a defendant’s presence at trial. She ordered two sureties each in like sum, with one required to own a developed property in Maitama or Asokoro, Abuja, and deposit the title deed with the court.

The sureties must also file affidavits of means and provide recent passport photographs. Malami and his son were directed to surrender their passports.

They are to remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre until the bail conditions are fulfilled. The case was adjourned to 4 March for trial to begin.

The Department of State Services arraigned the pair on a five-count charge, including alleged terrorism financing and illegal firearm possession. They had earlier pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors allege that while serving as AGF in 2022, Malami failed to act on case files relating to suspected terrorism financiers. He and his son are also accused of unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition in Kebbi State in December 2025, contrary to the Terrorism Act 2022 and the Firearms Act 2004.

The Federal High Court had howver, revoked the bail granted the defendants in the money laundering case preferred by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission against them. The Judge said the earlier bail was no longer  valid since the defendants were being re-arraigned.