Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, 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 and related offences intensify, The PUNCH has learnt.
Multiple security sources disclosed that the DSS is seeking a court order to lawfully detain Malami beyond the statutory period, citing the sensitive, complex, and international dimensions of the investigation, which could span several months.
ARREST IMMEDIATELY AFTER BAIL
Malami was taken into DSS custody on Monday minutes after perfecting his bail and stepping out of the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, where he had been held since early December 2025 over allegations initially brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
His arrest came barely 12 days after a Federal High Court granted him, his wife Asabe, and their son bail in the sum of ₦500 million each, with stringent conditions.
EFCC ALLEGATIONS: ₦8.7BN MONEY LAUNDERING
The EFCC had earlier accused Malami and his family of conspiracy and money laundering, alleging they concealed ₦8.7 billion in proceeds of unlawful activities using multiple corporate entities, bank accounts, and high-value real estate transactions across Abuja and other parts of the country.
The trio was arraigned on December 29, 2025, on 16 counts, all of which they pleaded not guilty to.
DSS TAKES OVER: TERROR FINANCING ANGLE
Security sources revealed that Malami is now being grilled by the DSS over terrorism and terrorism financing allegations, including his handling of the terror financiers’ list released by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2021 during his tenure as AGF.
A source said:
“The investigation will take a long time. We are working to obtain a court order to keep him in custody. One major issue is how the UAE terrorism financiers list was handled while he was Attorney General.”
UAE TERROR LIST UNDER SCRUTINY
In 2021, the UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 83 of 2021 designated 38 individuals and 15 entities linked to Boko Haram and other terror groups, including six Nigerians. The release triggered nationwide controversy over whether Nigerian authorities acted decisively on the intelligence.
Investigators are reportedly revisiting Malami’s public assurances at the time, when he vowed that no individual—regardless of status—would be shielded from prosecution for terrorism or its financing.
ARMS CACHE, PETITIONS ALSO UNDER PROBE
Sources further disclosed that Malami is also being questioned over:
-
An alleged arms cache was discovered at his residence in Kebbi State
-
Multiple petitions accusing him of terrorism financing
“Terrorism financing is a grave global offence. No responsible government can ignore such allegations. The DSS is the appropriate agency to handle this, and inter-agency transfers during investigations are standard,” a source said.
COURTS AND BAIL HISTORY
-
December 8, 2025: Malami detained after failing to meet bail conditions
-
December 18, 2025: FCT High Court upheld his detention
-
January 7, 2026: Federal High Court granted bail with strict conditions
-
January 19, 2026: DSS re-arrested him immediately after bail perfection
POLITICAL AND LEGAL IMPLICATIONS
Analysts say Malami’s case reflects heightened post-tenure scrutiny of senior officials from the Muhammadu Buhari administration, particularly those who wielded significant legal and political influence.
As AGF from 2015 to 2023, Malami played key roles in asset recoveries, corruption prosecutions, and controversial legal decisions—many of which drew public debate.
For now, security sources insist his release is unlikely in the near term, pending the outcome of DSS investigations and the court’s decision on the requested detention order.
