Abubakar Malami (SAN), former attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, has accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of denying him access to his family members and legal team following his re-arrest.
Malami, who is standing trial alongside his wife and son over allegations bordering on money laundering, was earlier arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.
On January 7, a Federal High Court in Abuja granted him bail in the sum of ₦500 million.
However, shortly after his release from custody on Monday, DSS operatives reportedly arrested Malami at the entrance of the Kuje prison.
The re-arrest followed reports that arms were allegedly discovered at his residence.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Mohammed Doka, Malami’s media aide, dismissed the claims as “false, unsubstantiated and unsupported by any official record.”
According to Doka, no such discovery has been formally communicated to Malami’s family or legal representatives.
“We categorically reject claims that any cache of arms or ammunition was discovered in any residence linked to Abubakar Malami, SAN,” the statement read.
“These claims are false, unsubstantiated and unsupported by any official record, judicial document or lawful disclosure. No such discovery has been formally communicated to his family or legal representatives.”
Doka also denied any allegations linking the former minister to terrorism or terrorism financing, describing such insinuations as speculative and irresponsible.
“Such claims have been advanced without naming a single individual, organisation, transaction, date or piece of verifiable evidence,” he said.
The statement further accused the DSS of holding Malami in prolonged isolation since his arrest on Monday.
“Since his arrest by the DSS, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has been denied access to his family, legal team and associates.
“This prolonged isolation raises legitimate concerns regarding his safety, welfare and constitutionally guaranteed rights, including access to legal counsel and family contact.”
Doka also expressed concern over what he described as undue hardship and emotional strain placed on Malami’s family and staff due to sensational reporting and unverified narratives surrounding the case.
He noted that Malami is a prominent chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and has publicly declared his intention to contest the 2027 Kebbi State governorship election, warning that political considerations should not be allowed to influence legal processes.
“Against this background, the political undertones now surrounding this matter cannot be ignored. Legal processes must remain insulated from political considerations,” the statement added.