Former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, have pleaded not guilty to amended charges accusing them of illegal firearm possession and preparing to commit acts of terrorism.
The pair entered fresh pleas on Wednesday before the Federal High Court in Abuja after the Federal Government replaced the earlier charge filed in February.
Prosecution lawyer Akinlolu Kehinde told the court that the amended five-count charge, dated April 14, had already been served on the defence. Following the application, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik struck out the previous charge and ordered a fresh arraignment.
The new charges allege that Malami and his son unlawfully possessed a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live Redstar AAA cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges in Birnin Kebbi in December 2025.
Prosecutors also accused them of conspiracy and preparation to commit acts of terrorism under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The charge states they acted “without licence” and were in possession of prohibited weapons and ammunition.
After the plea, the prosecution asked the court to set a trial date, while defence lawyer Shaibu Arua requested that the defendants remain on the bail previously granted.
The prosecution did not oppose the request, and Justice Abdulmalik allowed Malami and his son to continue on bail. The court fixed May 26 and June 16 for trial.
