AGF Takes Over Prosecution as Malami Faces Charges | ClipTV Online

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has taken over the prosecution of former Attorney General, Abubakar Malami, who is facing terrorism-related and illegal firearms possession charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Fagbemi assumed control of the case from the Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday, a development announced in court by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo.

Addressing Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, Oyedepo informed the court that the trial could not proceed as scheduled because the Attorney General had just taken over the matter and required time to familiarise himself with the facts and processes of the case.

Counsel to the defendants, Adedayo Adedeji, did not oppose the application for adjournment but urged the court to strike out the case if the prosecution fails to open its case at the next adjourned date, citing concerns over diligent prosecution.

Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the matter until March 10 for trial and for the prosecution to formally open its case.

Earlier, on February 27, the court admitted Malami and his son, Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, to bail in the sum of ₦200 million each, with two sureties apiece.

The court ordered that each surety must own landed property in either Maitama or Asokoro, Abuja. The title documents of the properties are to be deposited with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court, alongside valid international passports.

The sureties were further directed to depose to affidavits of means and submit two recent passport photographs to the court.

Malami and his son were also ordered to surrender their international passports and recent passport photographs pending the determination of the case.

According to the charge, the defendants were alleged to have, in December 2025, at their residence in Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of the court, unlawfully possessed sixteen live rounds of Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges without licence.

They were further accused of possessing twenty-seven expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges without authorisation.

The offences are said to be contrary to Section 8(1) of the Firearms Act 2004 and punishable under Section 27(1) of the same Act.

The matter is expected to resume on March 10.