Federal High Court Adjourns Malami’s Bail Hearing Over Work-Free Day

Abuja, February 20, 2026 – The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday postponed the bail hearing of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), who faces terrorism-related charges filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), citing a government-declared work-free day.

The hearing, originally scheduled for February 20, 2026, could not proceed despite earlier expectations that the court would rule on Malami’s bail application. Court proceedings have now been rescheduled for February 27, 2026.

Eyewitness Abdulrahman Ibrahim Sahihi reported on social media that “the judge had earlier adjourned for bail consideration, but court officials surprisingly announced today is a work-free day.”

The delay prolongs Malami’s stay in custody, leaving his bail request unresolved ahead of the next hearing.

Malami and his son, Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, were arraigned on February 3 before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court following a five-count charge by the DSS. The charges include terrorism financing, aiding and abetting terrorism, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

According to the DSS, Malami allegedly abetted terrorism financing during his tenure as Attorney-General by refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were submitted to his office. The agency also claimed that operatives recovered a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges from the defendants’ residence in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, without valid licences in December 2025.

Both father and son pleaded not guilty. The court had previously rejected a verbal bail application, stating that only a properly filed written request would be considered. The judge had adjourned the matter to February 20 for the hearing of the bail application and possible commencement of the trial, which is now delayed.