The public holiday declared by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Friday disrupted plans by the Department of State Services (DSS) to re-arraign former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami and his son, Abdulaziz, over alleged terrorism and illegal firearms offenses.
The re-arraignment was scheduled to take place on Friday, February 20, before the Federal High Court in Abuja. However, proceedings were halted after it became clear that court staff and other workers would observe the work-free directive issued by the FCT minister.
DSS operatives had reportedly taken control of security around the court premises as early as 7 a.m. in preparation for the hearing. By 9 a.m., when the defendants were expected to appear before Justice Peter Lifu, information emerged that court workers would not be on duty. The development prompted the DSS to suspend plans to produce the defendants in court.
Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and his son were earlier arraigned before a vacation judge, who subsequently returned the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, for reassignment to a regular judge.
The matter was later reassigned to Justice Obiora Egwuatu for fresh arraignment, but the judge declined to handle the case for personal reasons.
Sources indicated that the trial is now expected to commence on Monday, February 23, 2026.
In the five-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, the former AGF is accused of allegedly refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers while serving as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.
Malami and his son are also accused of unlawfully possessing a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA live cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges at their residence in Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
According to the DSS, Malami is charged in count one with knowingly abetting terrorism financing, contrary to Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Counts two to five relate to alleged unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, contrary to provisions of the Terrorism Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004.
At their earlier arraignment, both defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
