Malami, Son Hit With Fresh Terrorism-Linked Firearms Charges
By: Abudu Olalekan
Back in court sit former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami and his son – now facing charges that carry heavier weight. Seriousness has sharpened since last appearance. Each step into the courtroom feels heavier than before. The air around them carries tension not seen earlier. What unfolds next could shift how everything is viewed. Not just observers watching closely, but records being made matter too.
On Wednesday, April 16, they appeared at a Federal High Court in Abuja. There, without hesitation, came their full denial – facing a fresh five-count amended charge. Think unlawful firearm possession. Activities tied to terrorism. All of it.
That’s when things kicked off. Agents from the Department of State Services hauled them in on February 3, 2026. Accusations at the start: funneling money to terrorists, supporting terrorist acts, holding guns without permission. Serious allegations, no doubt. Not long after, they denied every charge – then walked free on bail.
Yet the prosecutors weren’t finished, it seemed. April 14, 2026 brought a revised accusation – sharpened, heavier than before.
Out of the blue, prosecution counsel Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN) suggested tossing the earlier charge so defendants could enter a new plea. Papers had arrived, said defence lawyer Shaibu Arua (SAN), hands folded. That checks out.
Finding the first accusation unfit, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik wiped it clean – defendants walked free on that count. Now came the revised version, waiting its turn under the law’s gaze.
Here comes the real question – what does this fresh accusation really hold? Take a look at how it unfolds
A court says they were getting ready to commit terror-related crimes. The weapon found was an unlicensed Sturm Magnum 17-0101. Alongside it, authorities report sixteen live rounds made by Redstar, model AAA 5’20. Spent casings totaled twenty-seven pieces. These events supposedly happened in December 2025. Location: Geeze Phase II Area. That’s within Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area. State is Kebbi.
Heavy laws apply. The case points to the 2022 Terror legislation along with Nigeria’s 2004 gun rules under Cap F28. This isn’t minor courtroom stuff.
Once the charge echoed through the courtroom? Not guilty came their reply – Malami and his son both spoke it. Each of the five charges met with the same answer.
Later, Kehinde pressed for setting court dates. Still, the defense wanted both kept on their prior bail terms. The prosecution stayed silent on it.
That date got the nod from Justice Abdulmalik – bail stays put, with trial days set for May 26 and June 16 in 2026. Save those dates.
This story grabs attention fast. A dad once in charge of justice, now side by side with his son on trial for gun crimes tied to terror – tension builds before the first witness speaks.
