In a dramatic turn of events, security operatives have taken back into custody Abdulaziz Malami, the son of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, moments after he was released on bail from the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.
Dramatic Rearrest at Prison Gates
The incident unfolded on Friday after officials completed all necessary procedures for Abdulaziz's release. Court bailiffs from the Federal High Court were present at the facility with fully processed bail documents to secure his freedom, as ordered by the court.
However, in what sources described as a renewed security intervention, agents moved in and took Abdulaziz into custody. He had just been handed over to the individuals facilitating his release when the arrest occurred.
A source familiar with the situation stated, "He was released to the court bailiffs with fully processed bail papers but was immediately rearrested by security agents." The security officials were reportedly acting on intelligence reports and had been monitoring movements in and out of the prison.
The Underlying N8.7 Billion Money Laundering Trial
This dramatic arrest is directly linked to an ongoing high-profile criminal case. Abdulaziz Malami, his father Abubakar Malami, and his mother Asabe Malami are currently standing trial before Justice Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
They face charges related to alleged money laundering involving a staggering sum of N8.7 billion. The case is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Massive Asset Forfeiture Order Precedes Arrest
Earlier this month, the EFCC secured a significant legal victory that foreshadowed these events. The anti-graft agency obtained an interim forfeiture order for 57 landed properties linked to the former Minister of Justice.
The properties, with an estimated total value of N213.23 billion, are spread across several states including:
- Abuja
- Kebbi
- Kano
- Kaduna
Investigations revealed that some of these forfeited assets were also connected to Malami's sons, Abdulaziz Malami and Abiru-Rahman Malami, as well as his wife, Asabe. This broad net cast by the EFCC underscores the scale of the alleged financial misconduct under investigation.
The rearrest of Abdulaziz Malami highlights the intense legal and security scrutiny surrounding the family. It also raises immediate questions about the interplay between court-ordered bail and parallel security operations, suggesting the case remains a top priority for Nigerian law enforcement agencies.
