The federal government has amended the charges filed against Abubakar Malami, former attorney-general of the federation and Abdulaziz, his son, removing earlier allegations of terrorism financing.
At Wednesday’s proceedings, Akinlolu Kehinde counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS) informed the court of the revised charge and applied for the substitution of the original count.
The amended charge now focuses solely on alleged illegal possession of firearms.
Akinlolu Kehinde, defence counsel confirmed that the defendants had been served with the updated charge and raised no objection to its presentation in court. The revised charge was subsequently read to both defendants, who pleaded not guilty.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, presiding judge ordered that Malami and his son should continue on the existing bail conditions earlier granted on February 27.
The case was adjourned to May 26 and June 15 for further hearing.
According to the amended charge, the prosecution alleges that firearms and live cartridges were discovered at Malami’s residence in Birnin Kebbi.
The former attorney-general and his son were initially arraigned on February 3 on a five-count charge that included allegations of terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
The DSS had also accused Malami of failing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers, whose case files were said to have been forwarded to his office during his tenure.
Both defendants were later granted bail in the sum of N200 million each, with two sureties in like amount.