Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have reportedly arrested former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, shortly after his release from the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, over what security sources described as fresh allegations of terrorism financing.
According to sources within the secret police, Malami—who is currently standing trial before a Federal High Court on money laundering charges—was taken into custody on Monday, moments after completing his bail process and exiting the correctional facility.
A security source disclosed that DSS operatives were on standby and immediately picked him up upon his release.
Officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service confirmed that Malami was freed after successfully meeting the bail conditions imposed by the court.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain official confirmation from the DSS proved unsuccessful.
Malami’s release followed a bail ruling delivered on January 7, 2026, by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja. The court granted bail to Malami, his wife Asabe, and their son in the sum of ₦500 million each, with stringent conditions attached.
The defendants were required to present two sureties each, possessing verifiable landed property within Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarimpa, deposit the relevant title documents with the court, and submit sworn affidavits of means.
They were also ordered to surrender their international passports and were barred from travelling outside Nigeria without prior court approval.
Malami, his wife, and son had earlier been remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre following their arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on December 29, 2025. The EFCC filed 16 counts against them, alleging money laundering involving approximately ₦8.7 billion.
According to the anti-graft agency, the defendants allegedly deployed multiple corporate entities, bank accounts, and high-value real estate transactions to disguise and conceal proceeds believed to be derived from unlawful activities.
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