AGF Fagbemi Takes Over Prosecution of Predecessor Malami; Trial Adjourned to March 10

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has formally assumed responsibility for prosecuting his immediate predecessor, Abubakar Malami, in the terrorism and illegal firearms case instituted by the Department of State Services (DSS).

 

The handover took place on Wednesday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, ahead of the scheduled commencement of the trial involving Malami and his son, Abdulazeez Malami.

 

Through the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, Fagbemi announced his appearance in the matter. He informed Justice Joyce Abdulmalik that the trial could not proceed immediately, as the case file had only just been delivered to his office and required careful review to ensure a well-informed prosecution.

 

Represented by Adedayo Adedeji, SAN, Malami expressed frustration at the delay and requested that the charge be struck out at the next adjourned date should the federal government present any further excuse. The DPPF countered, arguing that the request was premature and should be disregarded.

 

After hearing arguments, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the trial to March 10, 2026, when the AGF is expected to formally open the case.

 

This development marks a key procedural shift, as the prosecution moves directly under the oversight of the Attorney General, reflecting the federal government’s approach to handling high-profile cases involving former top officials.