The Federal High Court has scheduled fresh hearing dates for the trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, following their re-arraignment on amended charges filed by the Nigerian government.

Presiding judge, Joyce Abdulmalik, on Wednesday adjourned the case to May 26 and June 16, 2026, after the defendants entered fresh pleas on a five-count amended charge relating to alleged unlawful possession of firearms.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the revised charges, which the prosecution stated were updated and dated April 14, 2026. Earlier, prosecution counsel Akinlolu Kehinde had requested that the initial charge filed in February be replaced with the amended version to allow the defendants take a new plea.

Defence counsel Shaibu Arua confirmed receipt of the amended charges and did not object to the application. Consequently, the court struck out the earlier charge and discharged the defendants in relation to it, paving the way for the fresh arraignment.

After the amended charges were read, the defendants again denied all allegations. The prosecution then sought a trial date, while the defence requested that the existing bail granted to the defendants remain in effect. The court granted the bail request, as it was not opposed by the prosecution, before fixing new dates for trial.

According to the amended charge, the defendants are accused of preparing to engage in acts of terrorism by allegedly possessing firearms and ammunition without a valid licence. The items listed include a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live cartridges, and 27 spent cartridges.

The alleged offences are said to contravene provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Firearms Act.

With the new dates set, the trial is expected to proceed to the stage where both the prosecution and defence will present evidence before the court.