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The Nigerian government has withdrawn terrorism financing charges against former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami and his son Abdulaziz, according to multiple reports. The charges were substituted with an amended indictment focusing on alleged illegal possession of arms and ammunition, a development announced during Wednesday's proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Coverage Comparison

Reports from Africanews and AllAfrica, which aggregated several Nigerian outlets, consistently describe the withdrawal as part of a prosecution amendment. The prosecution, led by Akinlolu Kehinde, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, sought the court's permission to replace the original indictment with an amended version that retains firearms-related charges, according to AllAfrica. Africanews, citing Malami's lawyer Adedayo Adedeji, reported that the amended charge "expunges that part that has to do with terrorism financing and limits it to possession of firearms."

AllAfrica reports also note that the prosecution will continue to press other charges against Malami and his son, including money laundering allegations brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Key Claims

  • Withdrawal of terrorism financing charges: The federal government withdrew the terrorism financing charge against Malami and his son, as reported by all sources. The charge was substituted with an amended one concerning alleged illegal possession of arms and ammunition.
  • Discovery of arms: The arms and live cartridges were found in Malami's residence in Birnin Kebbi, according to AllAfrica. This detail was not mentioned by Africanews.
  • Plea and bail: Malami and his son pleaded not guilty to the five-count amended charge, and the court granted them bail on February 27, which remains in place, per AllAfrica and Africanews.
  • Political context: Malami is seeking to run for Kebbi State governor in the 2027 general elections, as reported by AllAfrica. Africanews did not mention this.
  • Money laundering allegations: The EFCC arraigned Malami and his family members on 16 money laundering charges, alleging they used a complex network of companies and bank accounts to launder alleged proceeds of unlawful activity, according to AllAfrica. Africanews reported the EFCC accused Malami, his wife, and son of laundering money worth 8.7 billion naira (about $6.5 million).

Perspectives

  • Prosecution perspective: The federal government, through its lawyers, applied to substitute the charge, indicating a strategic decision to focus on firearms possession rather than terrorism financing. The prosecution did not oppose the defendants' bail.
  • Defense perspective: Malami's lawyer confirmed the amendment and noted the expunging of terrorism financing charges, framing it as a narrowing of the case. The defense did not oppose the substitution but successfully argued for the retention of bail.
  • Public interest perspective: The case is part of a broader pattern of trials of former officials from Muhammadu Buhari's administration, including former central bank governor Godwin Emefiele, as noted by Africanews. Malami's gubernatorial ambition adds political significance, though this is not directly addressed in the coverage.

Timeline and Next Steps

The court, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, set trial dates for May 26 and June 15. The defendants remain on bail under the conditions previously set. The amended charges include five counts related to illegal possession of arms and ammunition, to which Malami and his son have pleaded not guilty.