Fagbemi has taken over prosecution of Malami in terrorism and firearms case from DSS.
NewsOline Nigeria reports that Prince Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, has formally taken over the prosecution of his predecessor, Abubakar Malami, in a high-profile case involving terrorism and illegal firearms possession.
The development occurred on Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), assumed responsibility for the case from the Department of State Services (DSS).
Court Proceedings Delayed
At the Wednesday session, which was scheduled to open the trial for Malami and his son, Abdulazeez Malami, Fagbemi, through the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, informed Justice Joyce Abdulmalik that the trial could not proceed immediately. He explained that the case file had only just been delivered and needed thorough review before prosecution could commence.
Represented by Adedayo Adedeji, Malami expressed frustration over the delay and threatened to seek dismissal of the charges if the federal government offered further excuses. The DPPF countered that such a request was premature. The court subsequently fixed March 10, 2026, for the trial to officially open under Fagbemi’s supervision.
Bail Conditions and Charges
Malami and his son were granted ₦200 million bail on February 27, with two sureties each required to provide landed property titles in Maitama or Asokoro, along with valid international passports, affidavits of means, and passport photographs.
The charges, filed as FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, include:
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Count 1: Abetment of terrorism financing by allegedly refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers during Malami’s tenure as AGF.
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Counts 2–5: Unlawful possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds, and 27 expended cartridges at their residence in Gesse Phase II, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State.
The offences are prosecuted under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004.
Allegations of Terrorism and Firearms Violations
The DSS alleges that Malami knowingly abetted terrorism financing and, together with his son, possessed firearms and ammunition without lawful authority, constituting preparatory acts for terrorism. The charges specify unlawful possession, storage, and handling of firearms and cartridges within Nigerian jurisdiction.
The trial marks a critical moment in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and illegal firearms possession, highlighting high-level accountability and enforcement of anti-terrorism and firearms laws.
