Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested Abubakar Malami, former attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice.
Malami was arrested at the front of Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja on Monday.
A video circulating online shows the former AGF entering a vehicle apparently belonging to the DSS shortly after leaving Kuje prison.
Before he entered the van, Malami asked the DSS officials to present their identity cards.
A security source confirmed Malami’s arrest.
“Yes, it is true that DSS operatives arrested Abubakar Malami, SAN. There are several petitions against him bordering on alleged terrorism financing,” the source said.
“Terrorism and terrorism financing are serious offences globally. You’ll recall that when Abubakar Malami, SAN, was the attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, he vowed that the government of the day would not shield any person or persons linked to terrorism or terrorism financing.”
“No responsible government would, in the same vein, fold it’s hands or turn a blind eye to weighty allegations of terrorism financing levelled against any individual, no matter how highly placed. In this case, Malami, SAN.
“In the course of investigations, we have what is called inter-agency cooperation. It is not uncommon for one security agency to hand over a person under investigation to another sister security agency.
“In Nigeria, the DSS is the sole security agency tasked with the responsibility of investigating such allegations. It’ll be best to allow them to do their job,”
On January 7, a federal high court in Abuja granted bail to Malami, who is standing trial, alongside his son and wife, over allegations bordering on money laundering, in the sum of N500 million.
Emeka Nwite, presiding judge, also granted bail of N500 million each to his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and his wife, Bashir Asabe.
Each of the defendants were required to produce two sureties in like sum who must own landed property within Asokoro, Maitama or Gwarimpa areas in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned Malami, his son and wife, over allegations bordering on money laundering to the tune of N8,713, 923, 759.49.
In the 16-count charge, the anti-graft agency alleged that the defendants conspired to launder proceeds of unlawful activity between 2015 and 2025, using bank accounts and corporate entities to conceal the source and ownership of the fund worth over N8.1 billion.
They all pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Subsequently, the court ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties worth N213 billion suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities allegedly linked to Malami.
Malami’s Ordeal With DSS
Recently, Malami’s office released a statement alleging that DSS operatives had mounted surveillance at the Kuje prison to arrest the former AGF.
Mohammed Doka, media aide to Malami, alleged that the plan was to re-arrest the former AGF after leaving Kuje prison.
There have been reports that the DSS allegedly discovered arms at the residence of the former AGF.
