Dalung Knocks FG Over Malami Trial, Demands Arraignment of Alleged Terror Financiers

 

Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has faulted the Federal Government over the ongoing prosecution of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, questioning why alleged terrorism financiers are not being tried alongside him.

Dalung raised the concern during an interview on Trust TV while reacting to Malami’s arraignment before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

He said the charges against the former AGF indicate he is being prosecuted for allegedly failing to act against suspected terrorism financiers while in office, insisting that those named in previous intelligence reports should also be brought before the court.

“From the charges read at the arraignment, it appears the former Attorney-General is being tried for refusing to prosecute terrorism financiers. If that is the case, where are the financiers themselves?” Dalung asked.

He stressed that accountability should not be limited to one official when there are known allegations and reported lists of terror sponsors previously submitted to Nigerian authorities.

Dalung referenced earlier disclosures allegedly made by foreign governments, including the United Arab Emirates, as well as regional security reports, querying the status of those named.

“Lists of alleged financiers were said to have been submitted to the Nigerian government at different times. What has happened to those names? Why are they not before the court?” he said.

He maintained that justice would be better served if both the alleged financiers and any officials accused of failing to prosecute them are tried simultaneously.

The former minister also questioned the inclusion of Malami’s son in the charges, wondering what role he allegedly played in the matter.

Malami and his son, Abdulaziz, were on Tuesday arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) on a five-count charge bordering on terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.

In one of the counts, the DSS accused Malami of knowingly aiding terrorism financing by failing to prosecute suspects whose case files were forwarded to his office during his tenure.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The prosecution urged the court to remand them in DSS custody pending trial, while the defence made an oral application for bail. Presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, declined the oral request and directed that a formal written bail application be filed.

The matter was adjourned till February 20 for hearing of the bail application and commencement of trial. The court ordered that both defendants remain in DSS custody pending further proceedings.