Malami’s ‘terrorism financing’ case adjourned to March 10…DPP takes over prosecution

Malami in court

A federal high court in Abuja has adjourned the terrorism trial of Abubakar Malami, former attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice, to March 10.

Malami and his son, ​​Abdulaziz, were arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) on February 3 on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.

The DSS accused Malami of refusing to prosecute terrorism financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to the office of the attorney-general for prosecution.

On February 27, the former AGF and his son were each granted bail of N200 million with two sureties in like sum.

At the resumed proceedings on Wednesday, Rotimi Oyedepo, director of public prosecution, told the court that the case file has been transferred to the department of public prosecution (DPP).

Oyedepo said the prosecution would need more time to familiarise itself with the facts of the case.

Adedayo Adedeji, counsel to the defendants, did not oppose the application but urged the court to strike out the matter if the prosecution fails to open its case on the next adjourned date, citing a lack of diligent prosecution.

Joyce Abdulmalik, the presiding judge, adjourned the matter to March 10 for commencement of trial. Thecable