Former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), may remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) for an extended period as investigations into alleged terrorism financing continue, according to security sources.
Multiple sources disclosed that the DSS is seeking a court order to further detain Malami, citing the sensitive and complex nature of the investigation, which could last several months.
Malami was taken into DSS custody on Monday shortly after he perfected his bail and exited the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja. His arrest came minutes after his release from the facility, where he had been held since early December over allegations initially brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The former AGF was earlier arrested by the EFCC over allegations that he conspired with his wife, Asabe, and their son to conceal proceeds of alleged unlawful activities valued at about ₦8.7 billion. The EFCC alleged that the funds were laundered through multiple corporate entities, bank accounts and high-value real estate transactions in Abuja and other parts of the country.
Malami, his wife and son were arraigned on December 29, 2025, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on 16 counts bordering on money laundering and conspiracy. All three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Two Bail Orders, Two Delays
Sources familiar with the case explained that Malami was granted bail on two separate occasions, but both orders were allegedly frustrated by procedural actions attributed to the EFCC.
The first bail was granted by a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory while Malami was still in EFCC custody. However, the EFCC reportedly failed to comply with the court order, resulting in his continued detention despite the subsisting bail.
Following this, Malami was again granted bail on January 7, 2026, by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The court granted Malami, his wife and son bail in the sum of ₦500 million each, with stringent conditions.
Justice Nwite ordered that each defendant produce two sureties with verifiable landed property in Asokoro, Maitama or Gwarimpa areas of Abuja. The court further directed that the title documents of the properties be deposited with the court for verification by the Deputy Chief Registrar, and that the sureties depose to affidavits of means.
However, sources said the EFCC delayed the perfection of the second bail by failing to promptly submit Malami’s international passport to the court, a key requirement for fulfilling the bail conditions. This delay reportedly contributed significantly to Malami’s inability to perfect his bail within the expected timeframe.
Malami eventually perfected his bail about 12 days later and was released from the Kuje Correctional Centre, only to be immediately taken into custody by the DSS.
Fresh DSS Probe
Security sources said Malami’s continued detention by the DSS is linked to fresh investigations, particularly his alleged handling of a list of Nigerian terror financiers released by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2021.
“The investigation will take a long time, which is why the DSS is seeking a court order to keep him in custody,” a source said. “He is being questioned on several issues, including how the UAE terrorism financiers list was handled during his tenure as Attorney General. This is not something that can be concluded quickly.”
In 2021, authorities in the UAE named six Nigerians as alleged financiers of the Boko Haram insurgent group. The UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 83 of 2021 designated 38 individuals and 15 entities accused of supporting Boko Haram and other terrorist causes. The disclosure sparked nationwide controversy in Nigeria, with questions raised over the response of local authorities to intelligence shared by foreign governments.
Investigators are reportedly revisiting Malami’s public assurances while in office that no individual, regardless of status, would be shielded if linked to terrorism or its financing.
Another source disclosed that Malami is also being questioned over an alleged arms cache reportedly discovered at his residence in Kebbi State, as well as several petitions bordering on terrorism financing.
“Terrorism and terrorism financing are grave offences globally,” the source said. “No responsible government can ignore such allegations. Inter-agency cooperation is normal, and the DSS is the agency legally empowered to investigate these matters. It is best to allow the process to run its course.”
Political observers say Malami’s case reflects increasing post-tenure scrutiny of former senior public officials, particularly those who held significant influence during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. As Attorney General and Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2023, Malami played key roles in major corruption cases, asset recoveries and high-profile legal decisions that frequently generated public debate.
Abuja Network News
Tags
News