The federal government has amended charges filed against Abubakar Malami, former attorney-general of the federation (AGF), and his son Abdulaziz, removing the allegation bordering on terrorism financing.
At the court session on Wednesday, Akinlolu Kehinde, counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), informed the court about the amendment and applied to substitute the former charge.
The amended charge borders on illegal possession of firearms.
Shaibu Aruwa, counsel to the defendants, confirmed that his clients were served with the amended charge and agreed that the fresh charge be read to the defendants.
Consequently, the amended charge was read to the defendants, to which they pleaded not guilty.
Joyce Abdulmalik, presiding judge, allowed the defendants to continue on the bail terms and conditions granted to them on February 27.
The case has been adjourned to May 26 and June 15 for trial.
In the amended charge, the prosecution alleges that arms and live cartridges were found in Malami’s residence in Birnin Kebbi.
BACKGROUND
Malami and Abdulaziz were first arraigned by the 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 ex-AGF and his son were each granted bail of N200 million with two sureties in like sum.
