The Department of State Services (DSS) has rearrested a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, shortly after his release on bail from the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, on Monday.
A security source, who confirmed the development to Daily Independent, said the former minister was taken into custody by operatives of the DSS over what he described as several petitions bordering on alleged terrorism financing.
“Yes, it is true that DSS operatives arrested Abubakar Malami (SAN). There are several petitions against him bordering on alleged terrorism financing,” the source said.
The source stressed that terrorism and terrorism financing are grave offences under both Nigerian and international law, adding that no individual is above investigation.
“Terrorism and terrorism financing are serious offences globally. 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,” the source stated.
He added that the same principle must apply irrespective of the status of the person involved.
“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,” he said.
The source further explained that Malami’s rearrest followed standard inter-agency collaboration among security organisations.
“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 said.
According to him, the DSS remains the lead agency constitutionally mandated to investigate terrorism-related offences in Nigeria.
“In Nigeria, the DSS is the sole security agency tasked with the responsibility of investigating such allegations. It’ll be best to allow them do their job,” the source added.
Malami’s rearrest comes hours after he regained freedom from the Kuje Correctional Centre, where he had been held following his arraignment on corruption-related charges.