Court Adjourns Malami, Son’s Trial to Feb. 27
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday adjourned the trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, until February 27.
The case, brought by the Department of State Services (DSS), was delayed by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik following a public holiday declared by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Nwike, ahead of the area council elections scheduled for Saturday.
A visit by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) to Court 6 at the Federal High Court complex around 9 a.m. showed that very few court staff were present, and neither lawyers nor the defendants were in attendance.
Some lawyers and litigants who arrived were reportedly turned away due to the minister’s declaration of a work-free day.
The DSS had arraigned Malami and his son on February 3 on a five-count charge, which includes terrorism-related offences and illegal possession of firearms.
The charges, filed under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, also allege that Malami failed to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were under his supervision while serving as AGF and Minister of Justice.
Additionally, the duo is accused of illegally storing firearms at their residence in Gesse Phase II, Birain Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, without lawful authority.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
After the arraignment, prosecuting counsel, Calistus Eze, requested that the court remand the defendants in DSS custody and set a date for trial.
The defence lawyer, Shuaibu Aruwan, SAN, immediately applied orally for bail, noting that the defendants had been in DSS custody for over two weeks.
Justice Abdulmalik denied the oral bail request, emphasising that her court is a court of record, and instructed the defence to file a formal bail application.
She then ordered that the defendants remain in DSS custody and adjourned the trial until February 27.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
