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By Oscar Okhifo
The Federal Government has amended the charges against former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, removing the allegation of terrorism financing from the case.
At the resumed court session on Wednesday, the prosecution informed the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja that it had filed an amended charge which excluded the terrorism financing allegation previously levelled against the defendants.
Prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), told the court: “We have filed an amended charge which has now removed the count relating to terrorism financing. The amended charge has been duly served on the defendants.”
The amendment followed earlier proceedings in which Malami and his son were arraigned on multiple counts, including allegations bordering on terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
The prosecutor then urged the court to allow the defendants take fresh pleas in line with the revised charge.
Counsel to the defendants did not oppose the application. “My Lord, we are not opposing the application for amendment,” defence counsel said.
The presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, subsequently granted the request, stating: “The application for amendment is hereby granted. The amended charge shall be read to the defendants for their plea.”
Following the development, Malami and his son entered fresh pleas of not guilty to the amended charge.
The court thereafter adjourned the matter for commencement of trial on a date to be fixed.