In a dramatic turn of events, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) moments after leaving the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja where he had been held after satisfying court-imposed bail conditions.
Video footage circulating online shows the former federal official approaching and entering a DSS vehicle immediately after exiting the prison yard, triggering widespread reactions across political and legal circles.
A security source confirmed the arrest, telling journalists that Malami’s detention is connected to a fresh DSS investigation, distinct from the ongoing high-profile money laundering trial. The source indicated that petitions alleging terrorism financing and related offences are under review by the agency.
Another adds: “Yes, it is true that DSS operatives arrested Abubakar Malami, SAN. There are several petitions against him bordering on alleged terrorism financing.
“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.”
He continued, “No responsible government would, in the same vein, fold its hands or turn a blind eye to weighty allegations of terrorism financing leveled against 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 which the responsibility of investigating such allegations. It’ll be best to allow them do their job.”
The arrest comes amid heightened security attention at Kuje Prison. Operatives of the DSS have reportedly maintained a heavy presence at the facility in recent days while monitoring movements in and out of the centre.
Malami and members of his immediate family have been entangled in litigation with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged money laundering involving approximately ₦8.7 billion. The Federal High Court in Abuja earlier granted bail in substantial sureties, but security complications have delayed formal release processes.
Last week, reports emerged of arms and ammunition discovered at Malami’s country home in Kebbi State during an EFCC operation, a development that reportedly spurred the latest DSS probe.
In a related incident, authorities also rearrested Malami’s son, Abdulaziz, shortly after his own bail release procedures were completed at Kuje Correctional Centre. The move sparked controversy and drew attention to the intense security scrutiny surrounding the family’s legal matters.
Court Orders and Property Forfeiture
Separately, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, recently granted an interim forfeiture order on 57 properties across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna States, believed to be linked to proceeds of unlawful activities associated with Malami. The order was issued on an ex parte application by the EFCC and published for public notice, inviting interested parties to show cause why the assets should not be finally forfeited to the Federal Government.
The court also directed publication of the forfeiture order in a national newspaper and adjourned further proceedings to January 27, 2026, to review compliance and any objections filed by affected parties.
As of this evening, neither the DSS nor Malami’s legal team has issued an official public statement confirming the reasons for the latest arrest. Observers remain divided, with some describing the actions as necessary for national security, while others raise concerns over procedural fairness and prolonged detention beyond court bail orders.
