A Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed a major terrorism financing case involving a former top government official. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the trial of Abubakar Malami and his son until April 15. The case centers on serious allegations that Malami, while serving as the nation's attorney general, knowingly failed to act against suspected terrorism financiers.
Malami and his son were formally charged by the Department of State Services (DSS), a major domestic intelligence agency, on February 3. They face a five-count charge that includes terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms. The federal government's core allegation is that in November 2022, Malami abetted terrorism financing by refusing to prosecute individuals suspected of funding terrorist activities.
In addition to the financing allegations, the case involves weapons found at the family's home. Prosecutors allege that in December 2025, Malami and his son possessed a Sturm Magnum firearm, 16 live cartridges, and 27 spent cartridges at their residence in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, without the required license. This combination of financial and weapons charges makes the case particularly severe under Nigerian law.
The court had previously granted both defendants bail under strict conditions. On February 27, Justice Abdulmalik set bail at 200 million naira (roughly $130,000) for each defendant. Such a high bail amount reflects the court's view of the seriousness of the allegations. The defendants must meet other unspecified conditions to remain out of custody while awaiting trial.
This case is significant because Abubakar Malami served as the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2023. In that role, he was the government's chief law officer, responsible for prosecuting crimes. The allegation that he himself abetted terrorism by failing to prosecute others places a former top legal official at the center of a national security case.
The adjournment to April 15 allows both the prosecution and defense more time to prepare their arguments for what is expected to be a closely watched trial.
