Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has sounded a public alarm. He alleges that security agencies, specifically the Department of State Services (DSS), are planning to take him back into custody immediately upon his release. This is despite a standing court order that granted him bail.
Surveillance and a Stalled Release
The serious allegation was made public in a statement issued on Wednesday, 7 January 2026. The statement was released by Malami's media aide, Mohammed Bello Doka. According to the details provided, operatives believed to be from government security agencies have been seen around the Kuje Correctional Service. The statement claims this surveillance is in preparation for a fresh arrest.
This development comes weeks after the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) granted Malami bail. However, his camp asserts that this judicial order was not honored. They state that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declined to effect his release. Malami's team describes this as a deliberate move to frustrate a valid decision from the court.
Allegations of Trumped-Up Charges and Constitutional Breach
The statement from the former AGF's office goes further. It claims that intelligence gathered by his legal team points to an active plan. The plan is allegedly to rearrest Malami on what are termed "unrelated and trumped-up charges" the moment he is released in his current legal matter.
"This pattern of granting bail on paper while preparing fresh arrests to ensure continued detention represents a grave assault on constitutional safeguards and an abuse of state power," the statement declared. It expressed deep concern that such actions by security agencies could severely undermine public confidence in the justice system. It also stated that this amounts to a blatant disregard for judicial authority.
Calls for Monitoring and Warnings
Malami's office also issued a warning concerning safety. It indicated that the safety of Malami himself, his family, and members of his staff could be at risk due to these alleged plans. "We place it clearly on record that any act of intimidation, unlawful detention, or harm arising from these actions must be fully accounted for by those responsible," the statement added firmly.
The statement maintained that the former Attorney-General remains willing to submit himself to all lawful judicial processes. It reiterated his consistent respect for the rule of law. The core demand, according to the release, is simply for strict compliance with court orders and the protection of constitutional rights guaranteed to every Nigerian citizen.
Finally, the statement called on several bodies to intervene. It urged relevant authorities, the legal community, civil society organisations, and the international community to closely monitor the unfolding situation. The appeal is for these groups to prevail upon the security agencies to act strictly within the confines of the law.
