In a significant legal development in Nigeria, a federal high court in Abuja has added terrorism charges against former justice minister Abubakar Malami. Previously, Malami faced accusations of money laundering amounting to $6 million, in connection with his wife and son. The federal court now alleges that Malami knowingly failed to prosecute individuals suspected of financing terrorism, thereby aiding insurgency efforts, a serious charge given Nigeria's ongoing battle with terrorism in the region.

Malami and his son are now indicted for possessing unlicensed firearms, further complicating their legal troubles. They have both pleaded not guilty to all charges. Malami had recently been released on bail regarding the money laundering case, indicating the contentious nature of his legal struggles, which reflects larger issues of corruption within the government under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

This case highlights significant concerns over terrorism in Nigeria, a nation facing a persistent insurgency that has resulted in over 40,000 deaths and displaced nearly two million people in recent years. The implications of this case are profound, not only for Malami and his family but for the integrity of Nigeria’s judicial system as it navigates cases involving high-profile officials accused of severe crimes, including terrorism financing.