Abuja – Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), was taken into custody by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday, January 19, 2026, moments after his release from the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.
Reliable sources confirmed that Malami perfected his bail conditions as ordered by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, and was formally discharged from the facility in the afternoon. A senior official of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) stated: “He has been released. He perfected his bail conditions and was released this afternoon.” The release followed weeks of detention linked to an ongoing money laundering trial involving N8.7 billion.
However, immediately upon exiting the correctional facility gates, DSS operatives reportedly intercepted Malami and whisked him away for further investigation. The custody is understood to stem from separate allegations of terrorism financing, with security sources indicating that the former minister is now under interrogation over purported links to terrorist activities or financing networks.
A security source familiar with the development confirmed the arrest, stating: “Yes, it is true that DSS operatives arrested Abubakar Malami, SAN. He is being detained for investigation on alleged terrorism financing.” The source emphasized that the move aligns with Malami's own past public stance during his tenure as AGF, when he repeatedly vowed that no individual linked to terrorism or its financing would be shielded under the law.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which prosecuted the money laundering case leading to his initial remand, distanced itself from the latest development. EFCC officials clarified that the agency was not involved in any re-arrest and that the matter now falls under the purview of the DSS.
Malami, his son Abdulaziz Malami, and his wife Hajia Asabe Bashir were arraigned on December 30, 2025, before Justice Nwite on a 16-count charge of money laundering and abuse of office. The EFCC alleged that Malami, while serving as AGF under former President Muhammadu Buhari, used proxy companies such as Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited and Meethaq Hotels Ltd to conceal and launder illicit funds. Specific counts include procuring over N1.014 billion through Metropolitan Auto Tech Ltd between July 2022 and June 2025 to obscure the origin of deposits into a Sterling Bank account, and retaining N600 million as cash collateral for loans while reasonably knowing the funds derived from unlawful activities, contrary to the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011.
On January 7, 2026, the court granted each defendant bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties in like sum, plus stringent conditions including submission of landed property titles as surety, deposit of international travel documents with the court, and a prohibition on foreign travel without judicial permission. The trial was adjourned to February 17, 2026.
Despite the bail grant, Malami reportedly delayed perfecting conditions amid intelligence suggesting DSS surveillance at Kuje over separate probes. Reports indicated he initially refused to leave the facility even after meeting requirements, fearing immediate re-arrest outside prison protections. Earlier incidents saw his son Abdulaziz rearrested by DSS operatives shortly after bail processing on January 17 or 18, 2026, amid claims of attempts to facilitate a discreet exit.
The DSS custody follows heightened scrutiny on Malami, including an interim forfeiture order secured by the EFCC for 57 high-value properties worth N213.23 billion linked to the family, spanning Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna states. Some assets were tied to his sons Abdulaziz and Abiru-Rahman Malami, as well as his wife.
Additionally, recent discoveries of weapons and ammunition at Malami's residence in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, prompted DSS takeover of that investigation, fueling speculation of expanded charges ranging from illegal arms possession to terrorism-related offences.
Malami, a prominent figure during Buhari's administration (2015–2023), served as a key legal adviser and was often described as one of the most influential ministers. His tenure drew criticism over perceived selective enforcement of the rule of law, including handling high-profile cases like that of suspected kidnapper Wadume and obedience to court orders in matters involving detained figures.
The latest development has sparked reactions across Nigeria's political landscape, with observers noting the irony given Malami's past assurances on anti-terrorism efforts. Legal analysts suggest the DSS probe may run parallel to the EFCC case, potentially complicating his legal battles.
As of January 20, 2026, no official statement has been issued by the DSS detailing specific charges or the duration of custody. Malami's legal team is expected to seek remedies, possibly including applications for protective orders or habeas corpus if detention extends without formal arraignment.
The incident underscores ongoing anti-corruption and security drives under the current administration, targeting high-profile figures from previous regimes amid efforts to recover alleged proceeds of crime and address national security threats.
