Abuja: The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has assumed responsibility for the prosecution of former AGF, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, who face allegations related to terrorism and illegal possession of firearms.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS) initially filed a five-count charge against Malami and his son at the Federal High Court in Abuja. During a court session, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, revealed that the case file has been transferred to the AGF’s office. Oyedepo subsequently requested an adjournment to allow a comprehensive review of the case file for an informed decision.
Counsel for the defendants, Mr. Adedayo Adedeji, SAN, did not oppose the adjournment but warned that failure to proceed at the next hearing might compel him to seek dismissal of the charges. The DPPF countered that such a move would be premature. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the trial to March 10.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the court previously granted bail to Malami and Abdulaziz, set at N200 million each, with two sureties. Conditions required sureties to own property in specific Abuja areas and submit necessary documentation to the court. Malami and his son were also ordered to surrender their international passports.
The DSS charged the duo with terrorism and unlawful possession of firearms, alleging Malami’s failure to prosecute terrorism financiers during his tenure as AGF and unlawful storage of firearms at their residence in Kebbi State.