The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed April 14 for trial against former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malawi, and son, Abdulaziz, over allegations of terrorism and unlawful possession of firearms.
The court extended the trial date following a request prayed by the prosecuting Counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, sought for an addition time to review the case and consult with witnesses before the commencement of full trial proceeding, after which the defence counsel, Shuaibu Arua, did not oppose the request, allowing the court to fix new dates for the continuation of the matter while both defendants remained present during the proceedings.
Kehinde told the court that he needed time to familiarise himself with the details of the matter and engage with individuals expected to testify during the trial.
“I got the instruction to take over the prosecution of the case on Monday and so I need time to interface with the witnesses. I most humbly ask for another date,” he said.
The Department of State Services, DSS, had earlier filed a five-count charge against Malami and his son in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, accusing the former minister of failing to prosecute individuals suspected of financing terrorism despite receiving their case files during his tenure as Attorney-General.
Prosecutors alleged that the defendants unlawfully kept a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm along with 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges at their residence in Gesse Phase II area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government, thus, contravening the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and the Firearms Act, 2004.
