Malami and Son Plead Not Guilty to Terrorism Charges

On February 3, 2026, Abubakar Malami, a former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, were arraigned on five amended charges linked to terrorism and illegal possession of firearms. They pleaded not guilty to allegations of preparing to commit acts of terror and possessing a Sturm Magnum 17 0101 firearm, along with live and spent ammunition.

The prosecution, represented by Akinlolu Kehind, informed the court of the amended charges, which were accepted by Justice Joyc Abdulmalik. The court struck out earlier charges and allowed the defendants to continue on bail.

The trial is scheduled for May 26 and June 16, 2026. The charges stem from incidents that allegedly occurred in December 2025 in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, and include conspiracy to commit acts of terror and possession of firearms without a license, violating the Terrorism Prevention Prohibition Act 2022 and the Firearms Act.