Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday rearrested former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, SAN, at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja after a prolonged standoff over his release from custody.
The arrest occurred moments after Malami left the prison premises, video footage circulating on social media showed him being escorted toward a vehicle believed to belong to the DSS. Before entering the vehicle, Malami asked the operatives to present official identification.
A security source who spoke with Vanguard confirmed Malami’s arrest, linking it to several petitions alleging his involvement in terrorism financing. “Terrorism and terrorism financing are serious offences globally,” the source said, adding that no government would ignore such allegations regardless of an individual’s status.
The development followed a high-profile judicial bail process that saw Malami meet conditions set by the Federal High Court in Abuja in a 16-count money laundering case involving approximately ₦8.7 billion. On January 7, the court granted bail to Malami, his son Abdulaziz, and his wife Asabe Bashir, requiring each to post ₦500 million with two sureties who must own property in the Federal Capital Territory.
Despite fulfilling court conditions, Malami reportedly remained inside Kuje Correctional Centre for several days in what observers described as a tense administrative situation, with some suggesting concerns that he might be immediately rearrested upon leaving the facility.
The tension escalated last Friday when Abdulaziz, Malami’s son, was reportedly rearrested by security operatives shortly after his bail release was completed. Court bailiffs had arrived with fully processed bail documents, but Abdulaziz was taken back into custody amid heightened security monitoring of movements at the prison.
SaharaReporters and other outlets reported that Malami initially declined to leave the prison even after meeting bail conditions, partly due to concerns over his son’s situation. Security officials stationed around the facility reportedly profiled vehicles exiting the centre before intercepting Abdulaziz shortly after he was handed over to bail facilitators.
Sources familiar with the matter said the DSS maintained a significant presence around the prison, citing intelligence suggesting attempts to circumvent standard procedures. More than 50 operatives were reportedly deployed to strategic positions at the correctional centre ahead of the incidents.
Malami, his wife and son are currently standing trial before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges including conspiracy and money laundering. They have pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
No official statement has yet been issued by the DSS or lawyers representing Malami and his co-defendants on the circumstances surrounding the latest arrest. The situation remains fluid, and developments are likely to draw continued public and legal scrutiny.
