The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the terrorism financing trial of former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami and his son, Abdulaziz, to April 15, 2025. The delay marks another pause in a case that has captured national attention over allegations linking high office to security failures.
Presiding Judge Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the adjournment after prosecution counsel Akinlolu Kehinde, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), informed the court he had only recently been briefed to take over the case. 'Counsel to the Prosecution, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), told the court that he had only recently received instructions to take over the case,' court proceedings revealed.
The Case and Its Serious Charges
Malami and his son face a five-count charge including terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms, brought by the Department of State Services (DSS). The most striking allegation claims that Malami, during his tenure as the nation's chief law officer, refused to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers. The DSS asserts that case files were forwarded to his office but never acted upon.
The Bail Question
Following their arraignment on February 3, both defendants were granted bail on February 27 at ₦200 million each—a sum that has sparked public debate about equality before the law. For many Nigerians, this amount represents an impossible barrier, contrasting sharply with the economic realities of ordinary citizens.
What Happens Next?
All eyes will now turn to April 15, when the court is expected to hear the prosecution's opening arguments. The delay, while procedural, adds to public skepticism about the pace of high-profile trials in Nigeria. As the new prosecution team prepares its case, the fundamental questions remain: Will this trial deliver accountability, and what does its progress—or lack thereof—signal about justice for the powerful?
