(DDM) – The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday postponed the bail hearing of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), citing a declared work-free day.
The hearing, which was initially scheduled for February 20, 2026, did not proceed despite earlier indications that the court would consider and possibly rule on Malami’s bail application.
An eyewitness, Abdulrahman Ibrahim Sahihi, shared updates from the court premises, noting that proceedings were unexpectedly halted after court officials announced that the day had been declared work-free. As a result, the matter has been rescheduled to February 27, 2026.
The development means that Malami will remain in custody pending the next court appearance, as his bail application is yet to be determined.
Malami was arraigned on February 3 alongside his son, Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik following charges filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The DSS brought a five-count charge against the former justice minister and his son, including allegations of terrorism financing, aiding and abetting terrorism, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
According to the security agency, Malami allegedly failed to prosecute certain suspected terrorism financiers during his tenure as Attorney-General, despite case files being submitted to his office. The DSS also claimed that in December 2025, operatives recovered a firearm and ammunition from the defendants’ residence in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, without valid licenses.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges during their arraignment. Following the plea, defence counsel made an oral application for bail, but Justice Abdulmalik declined the request, emphasizing that only a properly filed written application would be entertained.
The court had adjourned the matter to February 20 for the hearing of the bail application and potential commencement of trial. However, the unexpected suspension of court activities has now pushed the proceedings forward by another week.
The case continues to draw public attention given Malami’s previous role as the nation’s chief law officer and the gravity of the allegations brought against him.
