Nigeria drops Malami terrorism financing charges

The Federal Government of Nigeria has amended the charges against former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Al-Ammar. The initial five-count charge, filed on February 3, included allegations of terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms. The United States — United States Department of State, through its counsel Akinlolu Kehinde, informed the Federal High Court of the amendment, which now removes the terrorism financing allegations. The revised charge solely focuses on the alleged illegal possession of firearms, with arms and live cartridges reportedly recovered from Abubakar Malami's residence in Birnin Kebbi. Both Abubakar Malami and Abdulaziz Al-Ammar pleaded not guilty to the amended charge. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that the defendants should continue on their previously granted bail terms of N200 million each and adjourned the case to May 26 and June 15 for trial. Abubakar Malami also faces separate proceedings from the Nigeria — Economic and Financial Crimes Commission regarding alleged money laundering and asset forfeiture.