The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday halted the bail hearing of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), who faces terrorism-related charges brought by the Department of State Services (DSS), citing a work-free day declaration.
The session, originally scheduled for February 20, 2026, could not go ahead despite earlier expectations that the court would rule on Malami’s bail application.
“We’re live from the Federal High Court where Malami’s court session with DSS was expected today,” an eyewitness, Abdulrahman Ibrahim Sahihi, reported on Facebook on Friday morning.
“The judge had earlier adjourned for bail consideration, but court officials surprisingly announced today is a work-free day. Proceedings have now been rescheduled to February 27, 2026.”
The delay has extended the former justice minister’s stay in custody, leaving his bail application in uncertainty pending the next hearing.
Malami was arraigned on February 3 alongside his son, Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, following charges filed by the DSS.
The secret police brought a five-count charge against the pair, including allegations of terrorism financing, aiding and abetting terrorism, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
According to the DSS, Malami allegedly abetted terrorism financing during his tenure as Attorney-General by refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were submitted to his office.
The agency also claimed that in December 2025, operatives recovered a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, sixteen live cartridges, and twenty-seven expended cartridges from the defendants’ residence in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, without valid licences.
Both Malami and his son pleaded not guilty to all counts in open court.
Following their arraignment, defence counsel orally applied for bail, but Justice Abdulmalik rejected the request, stating that only a properly filed written application could be considered.
The judge had adjourned the matter to February 20 for the hearing of the bail application and potential commencement of the trial, a session now postponed due to the unexpected suspension of court activities.