The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) work-free day declared for Saturday’s area council elections has delayed the planned re-arraignment of former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, on charges of terrorism and illegal possession of firearms.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had prepared to bring the two before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, February 20, 2026. Security personnel were already deployed at the court from 7:00 a.m.
However, when the arraignment time arrived, it became clear that court staff and other workers would not be available due to the public holiday, forcing the DSS to postpone the hearing.
Earlier, Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and his son had appeared before a vacation judge on the same charges. The case file was later returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment.
The matter was subsequently assigned to Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who declined to proceed for personal reasons. Sources confirmed the new arraignment date is set for Monday, February 23, 2026.
Malami and his son face five counts, including alleged failure to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers while Malami served as AGF and the illegal storage of firearms at their residence in Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State. Both previously pleaded not guilty.
The charges include the possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, live ammunition, and expended cartridges without proper authorization, as well as acts considered preparatory to terrorism. The court maintains jurisdiction over the case and will hear it once arraignment resumes.