Abuja, Nigeria
The Department of State Services (DSS) has taken former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), into custody over fresh allegations of terrorism financing, security sources confirmed on Monday.
Malami, who was recently released on bail from Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, following charges of money laundering, was reportedly apprehended immediately after leaving the facility. Officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service confirmed his release, which followed bail conditions granted on January 7, 2026, by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Under the bail terms, Malami, his wife, Asabe Malami, and their son were each required to provide ₦500 million bail, secure two sureties with verifiable landed property in Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarimpa, deposit property documents with the court, and submit affidavits of means. They were also ordered to surrender international passports and were prohibited from traveling abroad without prior court approval.
The family had been remanded at Kuje since December 29, 2025, following their arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on 16 counts of money laundering, allegedly involving ₦8.7 billion. According to EFCC, the defendants employed multiple corporate entities, bank accounts, and high-value real estate transactions to conceal proceeds from unlawful activities.
Malami has consistently accused EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede of bias, alleging a conflict of interest. Through his media aide, Mohammed Bello, he argued that Olukoyede should recuse himself, referencing the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry Report, which highlighted “personal and professional exposure” of certain EFCC officials, including Olukoyede, who served as secretary to the commission at the time.
Responding to the allegations, Olukoyede insisted the EFCC’s actions are apolitical and professional, emphasizing that the investigation predates his tenure. Speaking to Channels Television on January 11, he said:
“There is nothing personal in this matter. If Nigeria is to move forward, all of us must agree that this fight must be fought without being partisan. I want Nigerians to understand this. The investigation was edited to ensure it was carried out professionally and thoroughly.”
While the DSS has not officially commented on Malami’s detention, sources indicate the arrest reflects a heightened focus on terrorism financing, which may overlap with ongoing anti-corruption investigations. Legal experts suggest the action could signal a new phase in Nigeria’s high-profile anti-graft operations, where officials face multiple simultaneous probes.
Observers note that the arrest raises potential questions over due process, given the recent bail release, but authorities maintain that national security considerations may justify immediate intervention.
As the situation unfolds, Nigerians await formal statements from the DSS and the Ministry of Justice, while legal analysts anticipate a swift review of Malami’s detention and the potential filing of charges under anti-terrorism legislation.
The case is expected to dominate national headlines in the coming days, reflecting the growing intersection of corruption investigations and security-related prosecutions at the highest levels of government.