Public holiday halts Malami, son’s trial at Federal High Court
The Public holiday halts Malami, son’s trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, after proceedings were suspended due to a work-free day declared in the Federal Capital Territory.
The adjournment followed the public holiday announced by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, ahead of the area council elections scheduled for Saturday.
As a result, the case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and his son, Abdulaziz, could not proceed as earlier slated.
A visit to Court 6 on the third floor of the high-rise court complex showed minimal activity.
Only a handful of court staff were present, while lawyers and litigants who arrived for their respective matters were reportedly asked to vacate the premises in compliance with the holiday directive.
The development means that the high-profile case has now been rescheduled for February 27, when the court is expected to continue hearing preliminary applications and set the stage for substantive trial proceedings.
Allegations and arraignment
The trial, which has drawn significant public interest, stems from charges filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The agency had, on February 3, arraigned Malami and his son before the court on a five-count charge bordering on terrorism-related allegations and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, the prosecution accused the former AGF of allegedly declining to prosecute certain individuals suspected of financing terrorism, despite receiving case files during his tenure as the nation’s chief law officer.
The DSS also alleged that firearms were stored at a residence linked to the defendants in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, without lawful authority.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all counts when the charges were read in court.
The arraignment marked a significant turn in the legal fortunes of Malami, who served as Attorney-General under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
The allegations have since generated intense debate across legal and political circles, with observers closely monitoring the proceedings.
Bail application and court’s position
At the previous sitting, prosecuting counsel Calistus Eze urged the court to remand the defendants in DSS custody pending the commencement of trial. He argued that the seriousness of the charges warranted strict custodial measures.
In response, defence counsel Shuaibu Aruwan (SAN) made an oral application for bail, informing the court that the defendants had already spent over two weeks in DSS custody. He urged the court to exercise its discretion and grant bail in liberal terms.
However, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik declined to entertain the oral application, stressing that as a court of record, formal procedures must be followed. She directed the defence team to file a proper bail application supported by relevant documents and adjourned the matter for further proceedings.
With the public holiday intervening, the Public holiday halts Malami, son’s trial yet again, pushing back deliberations on both the bail request and other preliminary issues.
Court premises quiet amid holiday
The impact of the holiday declaration was evident across the court complex. Security presence was noticeably reduced, and most courtrooms remained locked.
Several lawyers who had arrived early were said to have expressed frustration over the disruption, particularly those handling urgent matters.
Judicial sources noted that while emergency applications may occasionally be heard during public holidays under exceptional circumstances, no such arrangement was made in this case.
The postponement underscores how administrative decisions, including public holidays tied to electoral activities, can influence the pace of high-profile litigation.
When proceedings resume on February 27, attention is expected to focus on the formal bail application and the prosecution’s response. Legal analysts say the court’s ruling on bail could shape the trajectory of the case, especially given the gravity of the charges.
For now, the Public holiday halts Malami, son’s trial at a critical preliminary stage, leaving both supporters and critics awaiting the next courtroom showdown.
As the date approaches, the case continues to test Nigeria’s judicial processes in handling politically sensitive and terrorism-related allegations involving former top government officials.
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