Former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), may remain in the custody of the Department of State Services for an extended period as investigations into alleged terror financing and related offences deepen.
Security sources disclosed that the DSS is preparing to approach a court for an order permitting Malami’s continued detention, citing the sensitive and complex nature of the investigation, which could span several months.
Malami was taken into DSS custody on Monday shortly after he perfected his bail and was released from the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja. He was reportedly arrested moments after stepping out of the facility, where he had been held since early December following charges earlier brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The former justice minister had been arraigned alongside his wife, Asabe, and their son on December 29, 2025, before a Federal High Court in Abuja. The trio is facing 16 counts bordering on money laundering and conspiracy involving alleged proceeds of unlawful activities valued at about N8.7bn. They pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Investigators alleged that the offences were carried out through the use of multiple corporate entities, bank accounts and high value real estate transactions in Abuja and other locations.
Although a Federal High Court granted the defendants bail on January 7 in the sum of N500m each, with stringent conditions, Malami remained in custody until he fulfilled the requirements nearly two weeks later.
Sources said his immediate re arrest by the DSS suggests that fresh allegations are being investigated and that his release may not be imminent pending the outcome of the probe.
