Nigerian state police have charged former justice minister Malami with terrorism offenses

Nigeria’s state police on Tuesday filed charges against former justice minister Abubakar Malami and his son, Abdulaziz, encompassing five counts related to terrorism and firearms offences, following earlier money laundering charges brought against them by the financial crimes watchdog.

Prosecutors claim that Malami, in November 2022, intentionally facilitated terrorism financing by declining to prosecute suspected financiers of terrorism whose case files were submitted to him during his tenure as attorney general.

The duo entered a plea of not guilty and were instructed to stay in the custody of the Department of State Security as they await the start of their trial on February 20, having declined an oral bail request.

The arraignment contributes to Malami’s expanding legal issues, which encompass distinct ongoing money-laundering proceedings and a connected asset-forfeiture case currently before the Federal High Court.

In December, Malami faced 16 charges related to money laundering and conspiracy, involving billions of naira.

Defense attorneys contended that the two had already been in detention for two weeks and were brought to court from the hospital; however, the judge maintained the necessity of a formal bail motion.

Prosecutors asserted that Malami and his son were discovered in December 2025 with a firearm and cartridges, lacking a valid license.

The provisions of Nigerian law provide for the punishment of these offences.