Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has surrendered himself to the Department of State Services following days of tension surrounding his stalled bail and heavy security presence at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.
Malami’s decision came on Monday after his continued detention, despite meeting bail conditions, triggered widespread attention and concern.
His confinement had turned into a major security issue, with movements around the correctional facility tightly controlled for several days.
The development followed a prolonged standoff at the prison, where security operatives reportedly prevented Malami’s release even after a Federal High Court granted him bail. This situation created uncertainty and heightened tension within and outside the facility.
Matters worsened last Friday when Malami’s son, Abdulaziz, was arrested during attempts to exit the prison premises. The arrest was seen as part of a broader clampdown aimed at maintaining strict control over the situation rather than easing it.
Malami eventually handed himself over to DSS operatives about a week after his bail process stalled. This occurred only hours after activist Omoyele Sowore announced plans to visit Kuje Prison to intervene in the matter.
Earlier in January, Kuje Correctional Centre was placed under intense security. Dozens of operatives were stationed at strategic points around the facility.
The move was linked to concerns over ongoing investigations involving Malami, especially after he secured bail in a high-profile money laundering case.
Security around the prison was reportedly tightened following intelligence reports suggesting possible attempts to circumvent standard procedures. All vehicles entering and leaving the facility were monitored, with movements carefully profiled.
The tension peaked when court bailiffs arrived at the prison on Friday with completed bail documents for Abdulaziz. Despite the paperwork being in order, the process did not proceed smoothly.
According to information from within the facility, Malami declined to leave the prison at that time. He reportedly insisted that his son be moved out quietly, without the usual formal procedures. This request raised concerns among security officials already on high alert.
Abdulaziz was later intercepted and rearrested shortly after leaving the premises. A source familiar with the incident said, “This happened on Friday; the son was taken from bailiffs from the Federal High Court who brought fully processed bail papers but Malami refused to leave, urging that they sneak his son out. But the DSS profiled every car leaving and rearrested his son.”
Security officials described the action as necessary, citing what they called irregular efforts surrounding the attempted release. The incident further deepened suspicion within the intelligence community.
In late December, Abdulaziz was reportedly taken to the prison clinic after falling ill. He was placed under observation following the sudden health issue.
Malami, alongside his fourth wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and his son, is standing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The trio faces multiple charges bordering on conspiracy and money laundering, involving sums running into billions of naira.
They are accused of procuring, disguising, and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities amounting to ₦8.7 billion, contrary to the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. All three defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read in court.
The allegations include the use of corporate entities and associates to move and conceal funds. Several luxury properties in Abuja and other parts of the country were listed as part of the alleged transactions under investigation.
Despite the gravity of the accusations, Malami and his co-defendants have maintained their innocence. The case has now proceeded to full trial.