DSS Slaps Ex-Minister with Terrorism Financing Charges

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the country’s legal and political corridors, the Department of State Services (DSS) has officially arraigned the former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, alongside his son.

The duo appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik at the Federal High Court in Abuja to face a staggering five-count charge involving terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.

The most explosive allegation in the charge sheet targets Malami’s conduct during his high-profile tenure as the nation’s chief law officer.

The DSS alleges that Malami deliberately aided and abetted the financing of terrorism by sitting on critical case files. According to the prosecution, Malami reportedly failed to initiate the prosecution of suspected terrorism financiers whose files had been submitted to his office while he was the AGF.

But the drama didn’t end with financial allegations. The DSS further accused Malami and his son of engaging in “preparatory acts linked to terrorism” through the illegal possession of prohibited weapons.

Items seized and listed in the court documents include:

• One Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm.
• 16 live Redstar AAA 5.20 cartridges.
• 27 expended cartridges of the same brand.

The court was also reminded that this isn’t Malami’s only legal battle. The former Minister had previously been picked up by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over separate allegations involving massive fraud and money laundering.

Both Malami and his son pleaded “Not Guilty” to all charges. Despite their defense, the gravity of a former Justice Minister being accused of shielding terrorism financiers has left many Nigerians in a state of disbelief.

The court has adjourned the case to a later date for further proceedings, as the nation waits to see how one of the most powerful men of the last administration will navigate these heavy criminal waters.