The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday adjourned the trial of Abubakar Malami, former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, until February 27, 2026.
The case, filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), was postponed by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik following a public holiday declared by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike ahead of the FCT area council elections scheduled for Saturday.
A visit by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) to Court 6 on the 3rd floor of the Federal High Court building showed minimal staff presence, with no lawyers, litigants, or the defendants in attendance. Some individuals who attempted to attend were turned back due to the ministerial work-free day.
Malami and his son were arraigned on February 3 on a five-count charge, including terrorism-related offenses and illegal firearms possession. The charges, under case FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, also accuse the former AGF of refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers while in office and illegally storing firearms at his residence in Gesse Phase II Area, Birain Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to all counts. Following the arraignment, the DSS requested the court to remand the Malamis in its custody and fix a trial commencement date. The defence, led by Shuaibu Aruwan, SAN, sought oral bail, citing over two weeks in DSS custody, but Justice Abdulmalik rejected the request, instructing a formal bail application instead.
The judge ordered the defendants to remain in DSS custody and adjourned the trial to February 27, 2026, for commencement.
