The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday adjourned the alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, until April 15 and 16 for trial.
The defendants were present in court when the matter came up before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.
During the proceedings, the prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, informed the court that although the case was scheduled for hearing, he had only recently been instructed to take over the prosecution.
Kehinde explained that he received the instruction on Monday and required additional time to consult with witnesses and review the case materials before proceeding with 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 told the court.
Counsel representing the defendants, Shuaibu Arua, did not oppose the request for adjournment.
In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik granted the application and adjourned the case until April 15 and 16 to allow the prosecution adequate time to prepare for the hearing.
The case was instituted by the Department of State Services, which arraigned Malami and his son on a five-count charge related to terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
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According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, Malami was accused of refusing to prosecute suspected financiers of terrorism whose case files were allegedly forwarded to him during his tenure as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
Prosecutors allege that the former minister knowingly aided terrorism financing by failing to act on the case files, an offence said to be contrary to Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
In addition, Malami and his son were accused of illegally storing firearms at their residence located in Gesse Phase II area of Birnin Kebbi without lawful authority.
The charges allege that the defendants were found in possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges, offences said to contravene provisions of the Firearms Act 2004.
The DSS had earlier transferred the case to the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation on March 4 when it was scheduled for the commencement of full trial proceedings.
With the adjournment granted by the court, the case is expected to resume in April as both the prosecution and defence prepare to present their arguments before the court.