The Department of State Services (DSS) has re-arraigned a former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), and his son, Abdulaziz, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on an amended charge bordering on alleged terrorism and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

At the hearing, counsel to the DSS, Mr. Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that an amended charge had been filed to replace the earlier one on which the defendants were initially arraigned.

Kehinde applied to withdraw the earlier charge and requested that the amended charge be read to the defendants so that fresh pleas could be taken.

Counsel for the defendants, Mr. Shaibu Aruwa (SAN), confirmed that his clients had been served with the amended charge and raised no objection to it being read in court.

Malami and his son are alleged to have, in December 2025, prepared to commit acts of terrorism by being in possession of a Sturm Magnum 17–0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges, all without a licence.

Part of the amended charge reads: “That you, Abubakar Malami, adult, male, and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, adult, male, sometime in December 2025, at Geeze Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did engage in preparation to commit acts of terrorism by having in your possession and without licence, a Sturm Magnum 17–0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”

The charge further states: “That you, Abubakar Malami, adult, male, and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, adult, male, at the same time and place, did conspire among yourselves to commit acts of terrorism by possessing, without licence, a Sturm Magnum 17–0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges, contrary to Section 26(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and punishable under Section 26(3)(a) and (b) of the Act.”

When the charges were read, both defendants pleaded not guilty. Following the plea, Kehinde sought a date for the commencement of trial.

Although the defence did not oppose a trial date, Aruwa urged the court to allow the defendants to continue on the bail earlier granted to them, noting that they had complied with all conditions.

With no objection from the prosecution, Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the defendants should remain on the existing bail granted on February 27, having satisfied its conditions.

The court subsequently adjourned the matter until May 26 and June 15 for trial.