Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reportedly uncovered a cache of arms and ammunition at the country home of the immediate past Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mallam Abubakar Malami (SAN), in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.
The discovery came during a search of the premises by EFCC officials, sources said. Details of the number and specific types of weapons found have not yet been independently confirmed, but sources described the quantity as substantial.
Because investigations into illegal firearms possession fall outside the EFCC’s statutory mandate, the weapons have been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS), which has reportedly opened a full-scale investigation into the matter.
Mr. Malami had recently been granted bail in an ongoing EFCC money-laundering case, alongside his wife and son, but remains detained at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja because he has not perfected the bail conditions imposed by the court.
Security sources quoted by SaharaReporters indicate that Malami’s legal team may be deliberately slowing down the bail process out of concern that DSS operatives could immediately rearrest him in connection with the weapons probe upon release.
According to SaharaReporters, large numbers of DSS operatives have been deployed around the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre, with sources saying the agency intends to invite or arrest Malami over the arms discovery.
However, EFCC sources have denied claims circulating on social media that Malami has already been released or received a hero’s welcome in Kebbi State — these, they say, are false. Videos making the rounds are said to predate his present predicament.
This latest development comes amid broader legal troubles for the ex-AGF. In late 2025, Malami was arraigned by the EFCC on a 16-count charge related to money laundering and alleged financial crimes involving himself and family members.
The EFCC has also reportedly detained him over allegations involving alleged terror financing and the Abacha loot, and has seized his passport to prevent travel, statements from the Commission indicate.
At this stage:
• The DSS investigation into the arms and ammunition is ongoing.
• Details on how the weapons came to be at Malami’s residence have not yet been officially released.
• Malami’s detention status may be affected by the direction and findings of the DSS probe.
This story is developing, and further official statements from the EFCC, DSS, and Malami’s legal representatives are expected to clarify the situation in the coming days.
