Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, on Wednesday pleaded not guilty to a five-count amended charge bordering on alleged illegal possession of firearms, filed against them by the Federal Government.

The Department of State Services had, on February 3, 2026, arraigned the defendants on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing, aiding terrorism, and illegal possession of firearms.

Malami was also accused of failing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers while in office, in addition to alleged unlawful possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm and ammunition.

They had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail by the court.

However, at the resumed hearing on Tuesday, prosecution counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court of an amended charge dated April 14, 2026, which he said had been served on the defendants.

Kehinde urged the court to substitute the earlier charge dated February 2, 2026, with the amended one to enable the defendants to take a fresh plea.

Responding, defence counsel, Shaibu Arua (SAN), confirmed receipt of the amended charge.

Consequently, the trial judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, struck out the earlier charge and discharged the defendants in respect of it.

The court thereafter ordered that the amended five-count charge be read to the defendants.

In the amended charge, the defendants were accused of preparing to engage in acts of terrorism by allegedly possessing firearms without a licence, including a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges.

The offences are said to be contrary to provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, Cap F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

After the charge was read, the defendants pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Following the plea, Kehinde urged the court to fix a date for trial.

However, the defence counsel prayed the court to allow the defendants to continue on the bail earlier granted to them.

The prosecution did not oppose the application.

In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and fixed May 26 and June 16, 2026, for trial.

The amended charges read: “That you, Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, sometime in December, 2025, at Geeze Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did engage in preparation to commit acts of terrorism by having in your possession and without license, a Sturm Magnum 17 – 0101 firearm, Sixteen (16) Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of Cartridges and Twenty-Seven (27) expended Redstar and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

“That you, Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, sometime in December, 2025, at Geeze Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire amongst yourselves in preparation to commit acts of terrorism by having in your possession and without a license a Sturm Magnum 17 – 0101 firearm, Sixteen (16) Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of Cartridges and Twenty-Seven (27) expended Redstar, contrary to Section 26 (1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition Act) 2022 and punishable under Section 26 (3) (a) and (b) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition Act) 2022.

“That you, Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, sometime in December, 2025, at Geeze Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without a license, did have in your possession a Sturm Magnum 17 – 0101 firearm and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 3 of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) (a) (i) of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

“That you, Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, sometime in December, 2025, at Geeze Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without a license, did have in your possession Sixteen (16) Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of Cartridges and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8 (1) (b) (ii) of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) (a) (i) of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

“That you, Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, sometime in December, 2025, at Geeze Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without a license, did have in your possession Twenty-Seven (27) expended Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of cartridges and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8 (1) (b) (ii) of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) (a) (i) of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”

Global business and political influence took centre stage as Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote and United States President Donald Trump have been named among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People for 2026, underscoring their continued impact on global markets, policy, and leadership discourse.

The list, released on April 15, recognises individuals shaping global discourse across business, politics, technology, and culture. Dangote and Trump were alongside prominent figures such as Xi Jinping, Benjamin Netanyahu, Mark Carney, and Pope Leo XIV, as well as business and technology leaders, including Sundar Pichai and Neal Mohan.

Dangote, who featured in the Titans category, is the only Nigerian on the 2026 list, though not the only African. Other Africans recognised include Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Precious Matsoso, Anok Yai, Mamadou Amadou Ly, and Zabib Musa Loro, reflecting broader African representation across leadership, health, culture, education, and peacebuilding.

This marks Dangote’s second appearance on the TIME100 list, having first been honoured in 2014 for his impact on business and philanthropy. His return more than a decade later shows the consistency and scale of his global influence.

As founder of Africa’s largest indigenous industrial conglomerate, Dangote has driven investments across cement manufacturing, sugar refining, fertiliser production, agriculture, and infrastructure, with a recent expansion into energy. These investments have significantly reduced reliance on imports while creating jobs and strengthening local production capacity across the continent.

In its citation, TIME highlighted Dangote’s long-term vision of building globally competitive industries using African resources, pointing to his large-scale investments in manufacturing and energy infrastructure as central to Africa’s economic transformation.

Other notable figures in the Titans category include Reid Wiseman, Commander of the Artemis II mission; Sundar Pichai; Neal Mohan; Michael and Susan Dell, founders of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation; and Ralph Lauren, founder of the Ralph Lauren Corporation.

In the Pioneer category, individuals recognised for breakthroughs in science and social advocacy include Kiran Musunuru and Rebecca Ahrens-Nicklas for advances in genetic therapy, as well as Aaron Williams for contributions to heart transplant readiness.

The list also features influential figures in global entertainment and culture, such as Ranbir Kapoor, Dakota Johnson, and Kate Hudson, recognised for their impact in film and broader cultural influence.

Beyond his business achievements, Dangote is widely regarded for his philanthropic leadership through the Aliko Dangote Foundation, one of Africa’s largest private foundations, which supports initiatives in healthcare, nutrition, education, disaster relief, and economic empowerment.

The 2026 recognition also comes as the Dangote Group advances its long-term growth strategy, Vision 2030, aimed at transforming the conglomerate from a $30bn regional player into a $100bn global enterprise. The roadmap is structured in phases, with the first phase spanning 2025 to 2028, focused on scaling existing businesses in cement, fertiliser, and energy, while optimising assets for global competitiveness.

The second phase, covering 2028 to 2030, is expected to drive expansion into new sectors and international markets, including planned investments in steel manufacturing, power generation, and deep-sea ports to address critical industrial gaps across Africa.

The latest TIME recognition reflects growing global acknowledgement of African leadership and enterprise, with Dangote standing out for industrial scale, while other African honourees highlight influence across governance, public health, education, culture, and peacebuilding.

The Nigerian Army has laid to rest the remains of the late Commander, 29 Joint Taskforce  Brigade, Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, Captain Ismail, and other soldiers killed in recent insurgents attacks in Borno State.

The attacks, which occurred on April 9, were carried out by suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province fighters, who launched simultaneous assaults on multiple military positions in Benisheikh, a strategic town in Kaga Local Government Area along the Maiduguri-Damaturu highway.

This comes as troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion repelled a fresh attack by  suspected terrorists on Wednesday.

The Army in a statement on its official Facebook handle, @Nigerian Army HQ on Wednesday, said the military heroes were buried at the Maimalari Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri.

The statement read, “In a solemn and emotionally charged ceremony, the nation on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, laid to rest Late Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, Captain Ismail, and other gallant soldiers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.

“The burial, held at the Maimalari Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri, Borno State, was marked by deep sorrow, honour and reflection.”

The Army stated that amidst grieving families and comrades, the fallen heroes were accorded full military honours in recognition of their selfless service and unwavering commitment to the defence of the nation.

“Their sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder of the heavy price paid daily by members of the Armed Forces to safeguard the peace, unity, and security of Nigeria.” it added.

Dignitaries who witnessed the internment include Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, and other senior military officers.

“In their tributes, the Governor, the Minister of Defence, the CDS, and the COAS described the fallen soldiers as true patriots who stood firm in the face of danger and made the ultimate sacrifice so that others might live in safety,” the statement noted.

It noted that their bravery and sense of duty ‘’will continue to inspire generations and remain etched in the nation’s history.’’

“With heavy hearts, prayers were offered for the peaceful repose of their souls, while citations detailing their service and sacrifice were read before their next of kin.”

The statement observed  that the grief of their families underscored the human cost of the nation’s security efforts, even as their courage remains a source of pride and honour.

“As the nation mourns these heroes, it is reminded that the freedom and stability enjoyed today come at a profound cost, paid by brave men who placed duty above self and gave everything in service to their fatherland.”

In continuation of their ferocious attacks on the troops, suspected terrorists reportedly killed four soldiers of the 115 Task Force Battalion in the Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

Our correspondent gathered that the soldiers were killed when they came under attack around 12pm on Wednesday.

The terrorists, according to military sources, were armed with superior ammunition during the assault which lasted almost one hour.

“They attacked the 115 task force battalion in Askira Uba this afternoon. Four soldiers were killed. It was a gun battle between the troops and the insurgents. They were taken unawares, but the troops stood their ground,” the source said.

In Monguno, Borno State, troops allegedly torched houses in the Charlie 2 community, accusing the community of collaborating with terrorists in a recent attack that claimed the life of their commander.

The development follows Sunday’s attack by terrorists on the Forward Operating Base of the 242 Battalion, which led to the death of the Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. A. Mohammed, and six other soldiers after an ambush involving improvised explosive devices.

The troops were said to have set ablaze some structures, citing security concerns over the use of the community for terrorist operations.

However, The PUNCH gathered that the operation was briefly halted after intervention from higher military authorities, with plans for dialogue involving the Monguno local government chairman and community leaders.

In a move to step up security across Benue State, the police have launched clearance operations to dislodge criminal elements in affected communities.

The Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, said, “The command has sustained the deployment of tactical teams and is conducting targeted clearance operations in identified areas of concern.”

He warned against cattle rustling and collaboration with criminal groups.

“Anyone involved directly or indirectly in such activities will be treated as a collaborator in banditry and dealt with in accordance with the law,” he said.

He assured residents of continued efforts to restore normalcy and protect lives and property.

Meanwhile, the Arewa Consultative Forum and Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere have demanded a more drastic approach to the security crisis in the country.

The ACF said the insecurity has reached a ‘state of war,’ warning it is now an existential threat.

The forum urged the Federal Government to immediately reorder national priorities, emphasising that only a wartime approach can effectively address the crisis.

The group stated this on Wednesday as a United States lawmaker, Kimberly Daniels, called for the removal or redeployment of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.

The northern leaders, in a communiqué issued at the end of the 38th meeting of its Board of Trustees, held on Saturday in Abuja, signed by the BoT Chairman, Bashir M. Dalhatu, noted that the meeting was attended by prominent northern leaders, including the Deputy Chairman, Mahmud Yayale Ahmed; former Inspector-General of Police, M. D. Abubakar; former President of the United Nations General Assembly, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande; and former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusufu Buratai, among others.

Other attendees include former Nigerian Ambassador to China, Baba Ahmed Jidda; former Minister of Women Affairs, Salamatu Suleiman; and legal luminary, Joe-Kyari Gadzama, while several members joined virtually.

The forum said Nigeria’s security challenges had evolved beyond insurgency and criminality into a full-scale conflict threatening national survival.

“Nigeria’s security crisis has moved far beyond a routine governance challenge; it has evolved from insurgency and criminality into a state of all-out war that now threatens the continued existence of Nigeria as we know it,” the forum stated.

The ACF identified insurgency in the North-East, banditry and mass kidnappings in the North-West and North-Central, as well as farmer-herder clashes and inter-communal violence, as indicators of the deepening crisis.

It lamented the staggering human cost, noting that hundreds of thousands of Nigerians have been killed or displaced across states such as Borno, Plateau, Niger and Kwara.

“Families have been shattered, livelihoods destroyed, and entire generations traumatised. The scale of human suffering is unprecedented, and it continues to worsen,” the communiqué added.

The forum further warned that the security situation is taking a severe toll on the nation’s economy, particularly agriculture, which it described as being under grave threat across the North.

“Insecurity is now directly undermining Nigeria’s economy. Agriculture, especially in the North, is under severe threat. Supply chains are disrupted, inflation is worsening, and rural economies are collapsing,” it said.

The ACF stressed that addressing insecurity must take precedence over all other national concerns.

“Redirecting national resources toward security is not a diversion from economic development; it is a prerequisite for it. Without peace and stability, economic growth will remain elusive,” the forum declared.

Calling for urgent action, the forum urged the Federal Government to adopt a “wartime approach,” including scaling down spending on non-essential projects and focusing resources on ending insecurity.

“Extraordinary threats require extraordinary measures. Nigeria must temporarily suspend or scale down non-essential projects and focus national energy, funding, and leadership attention on bringing the security crisis to an end without further delay,” it stated.

The communiqué warned that Nigeria is at a critical juncture.

“The escalating security crisis threatens not just lives, but the very stability and future of the nation. Nigeria must act decisively now to avert further deterioration,” it added.

It concluded that until Nigerians can live, farm, and travel without fear, the country’s broader aspirations will remain unattainable.

“The path forward is clear: secure the nation first—decisively, comprehensively, and without delay.”

The ACF also issued a stern warning to communities and individuals against aiding terrorists and bandits, describing such actions as illegal and ultimately self-destructive.

Speaking to The PUNCH, the ACF National Publicity Secretary, Tukur Muhammad-Baba, said communities that harbour or support criminal elements often become their first victims.

“Such support or facilitation amounts to self-defeat; the first victims are the very same communities that harbour or accommodate the demands of these merchants of terror,” he said.

He warned that beyond the immediate danger, aiding criminal groups exposes individuals to serious legal consequences.

“Such direct or indirect support is illegal and exposes community members to prosecution as accessories to crimes of the most heinous order. It undermines national security,” he added.

Muhammad-Baba also noted that collaboration with terrorists weakens security operations and endangers personnel.

“It exposes security agents to danger, discourages their morale, endangers their lives, and gives strength to terrorists and other miscreants,” he said.

Reiterating the forum’s position, he stressed that half-measures would not suffice.

“Nothing short of total annihilation of the perpetrators and their enablers will work. Absolutely no one should be spared,” he stated.

The ACF further urged state and local governments to intensify public enlightenment campaigns to discourage collaboration with criminal elements.

“Very often, ignorance—though never an excuse—drives support for terrorists or passive tolerance of their presence. This must be addressed through sustained sensitisation,” he said.

He also called for tighter security around vulnerable public spaces.

“Community spaces such as markets must be properly secured. Where necessary, they should be taken over by authorities or put to alternative use. Leaving such spaces vacant invites danger,” he warned.

On its part, Afenifere expressed its displeasure over the spate of insecurity in the South-West and the country as a whole, saying more drastic action needed to be taken by the governments.

The group specifically called on the governors of the South-West to be more proactive and further strengthen the South-West Security Network Agency also known as Amotekun Corps to enable it work more effectively in protecting lives and properties of the people of the region.

This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the caucus meeting of the group held at the residence of its National Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, in Akure on Tuesday. The statement was made available to our correspondent on Wednesday by the National Publicity Secretary of the association, Mr Jare Ajayi.

It read, “The meeting, for the umpteenth time, expressed concern over the security situation in the country. Serious concern was expressed on the increasing terror acts in Yorubaland. It called on governors of the six states in the South West to take more decisive actions on insecurity that seems to be ravaging the land now.

“Part of the actions can be strengthening Amotekun, paying more attention to surveillance and expediting actions on the setting up of state police. These can be done in collaboration with governments of neighbouring states, especially Kwara, Kogi, Edo and Delta which also have sizeable Yoruba populations.”

The group further noted, “Afenifere used the opportunity to also commiserate with the people who have been victims of terrorism in Yorubaland and in other parts of Nigeria. The organization is highly disturbed by this and called on all concerned not to waste any more time in doing all that is humanly possible to put an end to what now appears to be a genocidal agendum.”

It urged the South West governors to put into practical action the resolutions they made on several security meetings they have held in recent times, urging them to carry the governors of Kwara and Kogi States along for the sake of Yorubas and other residents in these states and “also because of the stretches of forests linking the said states which bandits often use to carry out their dastardly acts.”

It commended the efforts of the military and other security agencies, noting that they should be further strengthened with more equipment and support.

“Government and security agencies, including the military, should look inward as insecurity continues to fester because there are internal collaborators. Such searchlights should be beamed on local communities as there are collaborators among them as well.

“By this we mean unscrupulous people who are collaborating with kidnappers, bandits and terrorists. Confessions by some of the suspects that have been made public attested to this line of thinking.’’

Reiterating its call for the restructuring of the country, the group said it would fast-track the country’s development.

“Afenifere is very much on the same page with Mr. President on this. We believe that restructuring will greatly assist and hasten the realization of this noble objective hence our consistent advocacy for it.’’

Distressed by the escalating security challenge in the country, a US lawmaker, Kimberly Daniels, has challenged President Bola Tinubu to sack or redeploy the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.

“Immediate leadership review is necessary. The removal or redeployment of Minister Bello Matawalle will help restore the integrity of the defence ministry,” she said.

She also called for greater accountability and international pressure.

“There must be a transparent investigation into allegations of high-level complicity with banditry. The international community must ensure that those accused of aiding terrorism are held accountable,” she added.

She condemned the brutal killings of Christians on Palm and Easter Sundays in Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna, and other parts of Nigeria.

According to her, the Nigerian community and leaders have expressed exhaustion with political statements from President Tinubu and are demanding “real action while the voice of innocent blood cries out from the ground.’’

She noted that reports have identified ‘red flags’, including allegations of complicity with bandits during Matawalle’s tenure as governor of Zamfara, harbouring bandit leaders and the facilitation of ransom payments.

In her recommendation, she demanded ‘’Immediate Leadership Review: The removal or redeployment of Minister Bello Matawalle to restore the integrity of the defence ministry.’’

‘’Institutional Transparency: Conducting a transparent investigation into allegations of high-level complicity with banditry to regain the trust of the Nigerian people; Enhanced Protection: Implementing more robust security measures for vulnerable communities in the North-Central and Northwestern belts of the country,” she stated.

She urged the US, the United Kingdom and other international communities to increase diplomatic pressure on the Nigerian government to ensure that those accused of aiding terrorism are held accountable.

“Increase diplomatic pressure to ensure that those accused of aiding terrorism are held accountable. The position I take on this issue stems from citizens reaching out to me from Nigeria. My connection to Nigeria as a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the chairwoman of UN-WCD would not allow me to be silent,” she added.

In a related development, a March 2026 report by the Legislative Centre for Security Analysis at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies highlighted the worsening situation, recording 345 deaths and 361 abductions from 36 incidents nationwide.

The report, titled ‘Escalation and Expansion: Nigeria’s Security Crisis Deepens in March 2026,’  stated, “Seventy-two per cent of the deaths were linked to terrorism (248 fatalities), driven by a resurgence of suicide bombings and coordinated attacks.”

It identified Borno and Plateau as major hotspots and noted an increase in attacks targeting military formations and senior officers.

“Guerrilla attacks on military bases have intensified, with senior officers among those killed in coordinated, high-impact operations,” the report added.

With 167 deaths, the North-East geopolitical zone recorded the highest fatalities, followed by the North-Central with 99 deaths.

It mentioned the terror attack on Ngoshe, Borno State, where 100 fatalities and 300 abductions were recorded.

The report further explained that the terrorists’ tactics are becoming more lethal and strategic, with attacks increasingly targeting military infrastructure and senior officers in coordinated operations.

Though currently concentrated in the North-East and North-Central, the centre expressed concern that the violence is spreading across the country.

It warned that security agencies must restrategise as the military is increasingly being directly targeted, adding that urgent legislative and security responses are required.

The report also cautioned that “the forthcoming elections may trigger additional instability.”

Meanwhile, the youth leader of Mdzough U Tiv Worldwide, Joseph Koriyol, said youths in Benue State are ready to join any planned peaceful protests against insecurity across the North.

Speaking in a telephone interview, Koriyol lamented the persistent killings of farmers in the North-Central region, particularly in Benue State.

“Benue is known as the food basket of the nation, but this identity is being eroded by incessant killings of our farmers without provocation. We can no longer access our farms due to fear of being killed,” he said.

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