The Department of State Services (DSS) has taken former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), into custody over serious allegations related to terrorism financing and associated security concerns. This dramatic development occurred on Monday, mere minutes after Malami perfected his N500 million bail conditions and regained freedom from the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.
Immediate Rearrest Following Prison Release
Security operatives reportedly intercepted Malami immediately after he stepped out of the correctional facility, where he had been detained since early December following his initial arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The former minister had just secured his release after meeting stringent bail requirements set by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, which included producing two sureties with verifiable landed property in high-end Abuja districts.
Complex Investigation Underway
Multiple security sources have disclosed that the DSS investigation into Malami's activities is expected to be extensive and complex, potentially lasting several months. The agency is reportedly seeking a court order to legally detain the former minister beyond the statutory period as they conduct thorough interrogations.
The investigation focuses on several sensitive areas, including:
- Malami's handling of the United Arab Emirates terrorism financiers list during his tenure as Attorney General
- Multiple petitions accusing the former minister of involvement in terrorism financing
- Allegations concerning an arms cache reportedly discovered at his residence in Kebbi State
Background of Previous Legal Troubles
Malami's current detention follows his earlier arrest by the EFCC over allegations of conspiracy and money laundering involving approximately N8.7 billion. The anti-graft agency had accused Malami, along with his wife Asabe and their son, of concealing proceeds from unlawful activities through multiple corporate entities, bank accounts, and high-value real estate transactions across Abuja and other regions.
On December 29, 2025, the trio were arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja on 16 counts bordering on money laundering and conspiracy, to which they all pleaded not guilty. Before this arraignment, Malami had remained in detention since December 8 after failing to meet initial bail conditions.
The UAE Terrorism Financiers List Connection
A significant aspect of the DSS investigation revolves around the 2021 UAE terrorism financiers list, which named six Nigerians with alleged links to Boko Haram insurgent groups. The publication of Resolution No. 83 of 2021 by the UAE Cabinet, designating 38 individuals and 15 entities accused of supporting terrorist causes, sparked considerable controversy in Nigeria.
Investigators are now examining Malami's role and decisions concerning this matter during his time as the nation's chief law officer. Security sources indicate that the DSS is particularly interested in understanding how Nigerian authorities responded to intelligence provided by foreign governments regarding these designated individuals.
Irony of Past Positions on Terrorism
Observers have noted the striking contrast between Malami's current predicament and his previous strong stance against terrorism during his tenure as Attorney General from 2015 to 2023. Throughout his service in the Muhammadu Buhari administration, Malami repeatedly vowed that the federal government would not shield anyone linked to terrorism or its financing, emphasizing that all culpable individuals would face prosecution regardless of their status.
Political analysts suggest that Malami's detention reflects a broader pattern of post-tenure scrutiny affecting former senior officials of the Buhari administration, particularly those who wielded significant influence during their time in office.
Inter-Agency Cooperation and Legal Procedures
Security sources have emphasized that inter-agency cooperation between Nigerian security organizations represents standard practice, with the DSS serving as the statutory body responsible for handling terrorism-related investigations nationwide. The agency considers the allegations against the former minister particularly sensitive and has initiated formal processes to obtain proper court authorization for extended detention.
As of the latest reports, neither Malami nor his legal representatives have issued an official statement regarding this latest detention by the DSS. The development marks another chapter in the ongoing legal challenges facing the former Attorney General, whose case continues to attract significant public and media attention across Nigeria.
