Operatives of the Department of State Service (DSS) have arrested Abubakar Malami, former attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice.
Malami was arrested by the secret police just moments after he was released from Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja on Monday.
A video circulating online shows Malami walking out of the facility and entering a vehicle believed to belong to the DSS.
Before boarding, he could be heard asking operatives to show their identity cards.
A security source confirmed the arrest, saying: “Yes, it is true that DSS operatives arrested Abubakar Malami, SAN. There are several petitions against him bordering on alleged terrorism financing.”
The source added that terrorism-related allegations are taken seriously worldwide, noting: “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.”
“No responsible government would, in the same vein, fold its hands or turn a blind eye to weighty allegations of terrorism financing levelled against any individual, no matter how highly placed. In this case, Malami, SAN.”
The source explained that the involvement of multiple agencies is normal.
“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.”
He added that the DSS has the mandate to probe allegations of terrorism financing and should be allowed to carry out its duties.
On January 7, a federal high court granted Malami bail in the sum of N500 million, after he pleaded not guilty to money laundering allegations alongside his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and his wife, Bashir Asabe.
Each defendant was ordered to provide two sureties with properties located in Maitama, Asokoro or Gwarimpa.
The EFCC had charged the trio with laundering over N8.7 billion between 2015 and 2025, using corporate fronts and bank accounts to disguise the origin of funds.
The court also issued an interim forfeiture order on 57 properties valued at N213 billion, suspected to be tied to unlawful proceeds.
Malami’s media aide, Mohammed Doka, had earlier alleged that DSS operatives were stationed near Kuje prison with a plan to re-arrest him.
There have also been unconfirmed reports claiming arms were discovered at the former AGF’s residence.