The former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has yet to perfect the bail conditions granted him by a Federal High Court, as a fresh investigation into arms and ammunition allegedly found in his residence in Kebbi State complicates his legal troubles.
Naijaonpoint reports that Malami, who was granted bail alongside his son, Abdulaziz, and wife, Asabe Bashir, remains in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre, having failed to meet the stringent conditions imposed by the court.
Findings indicate that Malami is facing a separate probe by the Department of State Services following the alleged discovery of arms and ammunition at his country home in Birnin Kebbi.
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reportedly uncovered the weapons during a search of the property. However, because illegal arms possession falls outside the EFCC’s mandate, the items were said to have been handed over to the DSS for further investigation.
Although the exact quantity of arms recovered could not be confirmed, sources said the find was substantial enough to warrant a full-scale DSS investigation.
Security sources told reporters that Malami may be deliberately delaying the perfection of his bail to avoid immediate rearrest by DSS operatives over the arms-related probe.
“Malami has slowed down his bail processing as DSS operatives besiege Kuje Prison to arrest him for terrorism-related charges upon being released on bail,” a top security source said.
Another source added, “The former minister is being separately investigated for allegedly having arms in his house in Birnin Kebbi. The inventory of the shock find has been handed over to the DSS. It is now left to Malami to explain to the DSS how he came about the arms.”
According to the source, DSS operatives had taken up strategic positions around the Kuje facility, heightening security within the custodial centre.
An EFCC source confirmed that Malami remained in custody and had not met his bail conditions, refuting reports circulating on social media that he had regained his freedom and returned to Kebbi State.
“By our records, the ex-AGF is still in custody. We saw all manners of fake clips on social media on his purported arrival and rousing reception in Kebbi State,” the source said.
The EFCC source further revealed that investigations into Malami’s activities did not begin recently but dated back to 2019.
The source said, “The investigation into Malami’s activities during his tenure began when former EFCC Acting Chairman Ibrahim Magu was in office. It continued under another Acting Chairman, Ibrahim Chukkol, and into the current administration.
“There is nothing vindictive about his investigation. It is an inherited case, and the ex-AGF knows this.”