The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, alongside his son, Abdulaziz Malami, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged terrorism-related offences.

The defendants were brought before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Tuesday and were docked on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing, aiding and abetting terrorism, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. Both men pleaded not guilty to all charges.

According to the charge, Malami is accused of allegedly facilitating terrorism financing by failing to prosecute individuals suspected of financing terrorism, whose case files were reportedly forwarded to his office during his tenure as AGF.

The father and son were jointly charged in counts two through five, which relate to alleged unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. The prosecution alleged that the defendants were found in possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live Redstar AAA cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges at their residence in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, without valid licences.

The prosecution further claimed that the alleged possession amounted to preparation for acts of terrorism, contrary to provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004.

During the court proceedings, prosecuting counsel, Dr. C.S. Eze, requested that the defendants be remanded in DSS custody pending trial. However, defence counsel, S.A. Alua (SAN), made an oral application for bail, which was declined by the court. Justice Abdulmalik ruled that bail applications must be formally filed in writing in accordance with court procedures.

The case has been adjourned until February 20 for the hearing of the bail application and possible commencement of trial.

The DSS maintains that the alleged offences fall within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court.

The Leader of the 10th Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, CON, has called on Nigerians to embrace peace, love and national unity as Christians across the country celebrate Christmas 2025.

In a Christmas message issued on Wednesday, December 25, Senator Bamidele described the birth of Jesus Christ as a timeless source of hope, redemption and salvation for humanity, noting that His message remains relevant in addressing contemporary national and global challenges.

According to the Senate Leader, Christmas offers Nigerians another opportunity to reflect on the state of the nation and the welfare of its citizens, irrespective of religious affiliation. He urged both Christians and Muslims to draw lessons from Christ’s message of love, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence, rather than resorting to violence in the pursuit of personal or collective grievances.

Senator Bamidele emphasized that Christ’s love transcends religious boundaries, describing it as a unifying force capable of healing broken relationships, reconciling divided communities and fostering national cohesion, stability and rebirth.

He further stressed that enduring peace is fundamental to sustainable development, economic growth and good governance at both national and sub-national levels. According to him, only in an atmosphere of peace and mutual understanding can citizens freely pursue their aspirations without fear or hindrance.

The Senate Leader therefore urged Nigerians to become ambassadors of peace, harmony and positive engagement, while rejecting hate speech, violence and divisive tendencies.

He concluded by wishing Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year in advance.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to depart Abuja on Saturday on a multi-state visit that will take him to Borno State, Bauchi State and Lagos State, as part of official and personal engagements.

The President’s first stop will be Borno State, where he is expected to commission a number of projects executed by the state government under Governor Babagana Zulum, in collaboration with the Federal Government. The projects are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen infrastructure, governance and post-conflict recovery in the North-East.

While in Maiduguri, President Tinubu will also attend the wedding ceremony of Sadeeq Sheriff, son of former Borno State Governor and Senator, Ali Modu Sheriff, and his bride, Hadiza Kam Salem.

From Borno, the President will proceed to Bauchi State for a condolence visit to the state government and the family of Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, the late Islamic scholar and spiritual leader of the Tijjaniyya Muslim Brotherhood. The revered cleric passed away on November 27, drawing tributes from across Nigeria and beyond for his decades of religious scholarship and leadership.

Following the condolence visit, President Tinubu will travel to Lagos State, where he will spend the end-of-year holidays. During his stay, the President is expected to participate in several engagements, including serving as Guest of Honour at the annual Eyo Festival scheduled for December 27.

The festival, to be held at Tafawa Balewa Square, will honour notable personalities, including President Tinubu’s mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, as well as former Lagos State governors Lateef Jakande and Michael Otedola.

The trip underscores the President’s blend of official duties, cultural engagements and personal commitments as the year draws to a close.