Trial of Ex‑AGF Abubakar Malami Stalled as Incumbent AGF Fagbemi Takes Over Prosecution
The scheduled trial of former Attorney‑General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, was on Wednesday halted following the formal takeover of the prosecution by the incumbent AGF, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had previously adjourned to March 4 for commencement of trial after admitting Malami and his son, Abdulazeez Malami, to bail in the sum of ₦200 million each.
At Wednesday’s proceedings, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, announced appearance for the prosecution, explaining that the trial could not proceed as the new AGF had just assumed control of the matter and required time to review the case file.
Counsel to Malami, Adedayo Adedeji, SAN, expressed dissatisfaction with the delay and urged the court to strike out the charge if further excuses were advanced by the government. Oyedepo countered that such a request was premature.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to March 10 for trial.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had arraigned Malami and his son on a five‑count charge bordering on terrorism and unlawful possession of firearms. The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, alleges that Malami, while serving as AGF, knowingly abetted terrorism financing by refusing to prosecute identified financiers.
Further counts accuse Malami and Abdulazeez of unlawfully possessing a Sturm Magnum 17‑0101 firearm, 16 live rounds of Redstar AAA cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges, allegedly stored at their residence in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, contrary to provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and the Firearms Act, 2004.
The matter now awaits substantive trial under the supervision of the incumbent AGF.
