ADC Chieftain, Malami, Son Face Fresh Terrorism Charges as Court Fixes Trial Date

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled May 26 for the Department of State Services (DSS) to begin its prosecution in a terrorism case against former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and his son, Abdulaziz.

At the court session, prosecution counsel Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN) informed the judge that a revised charge had been filed, replacing the initial one under which the defendants were first arraigned. He requested that the earlier charge be withdrawn and the amended version read in court so the defendants could enter fresh pleas.

Defence counsel Shaibu Aruwa (SAN) confirmed receipt of the updated charge and did not oppose its reading. Both Malami and his son pleaded not guilty to all counts after the new charges were presented.

The prosecution then asked for a trial date, while the defence urged the court to allow the defendants to remain on the bail earlier granted to them. With no objection from the prosecution, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that the existing bail conditions would continue to apply, noting that they had already been met.

The case was subsequently adjourned to May 26 and June 15 for trial.

According to the amended charges, the defendants are accused of preparing to carry out acts of terrorism in December 2025 in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State. The allegations include unlawful possession of a Sturm Magnum firearm, live ammunition, and expended cartridges without a valid license.

They are also charged with conspiracy related to the alleged terrorism preparations, as well as separate offences under the Firearms Act for illegal possession of the weapon and ammunition.