The bail hearing of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), was stalled on Friday after proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja were unexpectedly suspended due to a declared work-free day.
The hearing, initially scheduled for February 20, 2026, was expected to address Malami’s bail application in the terrorism-related case instituted against him by Nigeria’s secret police, the Department of State Services (DSS).
An eyewitness at the court, Abdulrahman Ibrahim Sahihi, shared updates via Facebook, stating that although the judge had earlier adjourned the matter for bail consideration, court officials announced that the day had been declared work-free, forcing a postponement. The case has now been rescheduled for February 27, 2026.
The delay means Malami will remain in custody until the next hearing, with his bail application still pending.
Malami was arraigned on February 3 alongside his son, Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The DSS filed a five-count charge against them, alleging terrorism financing, aiding and abetting terrorism, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
According to court documents, the DSS accused Malami of deliberately declining to prosecute individuals suspected of financing terrorism during his time in office, despite case files being forwarded to him.
The agency further alleged that in December 2025, security 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, allegedly without valid licenses.
Both Malami and his son pleaded not guilty when the charges were read in court.
At the arraignment, defence counsel made an oral application for bail. However, Justice Abdulmalik declined the request, ruling that only a formally filed written application could be considered.
The court had fixed February 20 for the hearing of the bail application and possible commencement of trial, but the unexpected suspension of court activities has now pushed proceedings to a later date.