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DSS engages SAN Akinlolu Kehinde to lead prosecution of ex-AGF Abubakar Malami, son Abdulaziz
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Malami accused of failing to prosecute alleged terrorism financiers while serving as Attorney General
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Court adjourns trial to April 15 after new prosecutor seeks time to meet witnesses
The Department of State Services (DSS) has engaged Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Akinlolu Kehinde, to lead the prosecution of former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, over alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.
Kehinde disclosed during proceedings on Tuesday that he had only recently received instructions from the DSS to take over the prosecution and needed time to consult with witnesses before the commencement of the full trial.
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“I got the instruction to take over the prosecution of the case on Monday, and so I need time to interface with the witnesses. So I most humbly ask for another date,” he told the court.
Counsel to the defendants, Shuaibu Arua (SAN), did not oppose the request for adjournment.
Following the application, the presiding judge, Joyce Abdulmalik, adjourned the matter until April 15.
The DSS had earlier arraigned Malami and his son before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a five-count charge bordering on terrorism and unlawful possession of firearms.
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According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, Malami allegedly refused to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to him while he served as Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The security agency also accused the defendants of storing firearms without lawful authority at their residence in Gesse Phase II area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area in Kebbi State.
Specifically, the DSS alleged that Malami knowingly abetted terrorism financing by failing to prosecute the suspects, an offence said to contravene Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
In counts two to five, Malami and his son were accused of unlawful possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5.20 live cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5.20 cartridges.
The offences, according to the prosecuting agency, are punishable under provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004.