Operatives of the Department of State Services have taken into custody a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, over fresh allegations related to terrorism financing.
Security sources revealed that Malami, who is currently facing money laundering charges before a Federal High Court, was arrested shortly after his release from the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja on Monday, January 19.
According to the sources, security operatives intercepted and detained him immediately after he exited the correctional facility, following his release in connection with the ongoing court proceedings. The new arrest is said to be linked to separate allegations now under investigation by security authorities.
Officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service confirmed that Malami was released after fulfilling strict bail requirements. As of the time of reporting, no official statement had been issued by the Department of State Services regarding the development.
Malami’s release came after a ruling delivered by the Federal High Court on January 7, 2026, granting bail to him, his wife, and his son in the sum of ₦500 million each under stringent conditions. The court directed that each defendant must present two sureties who own verifiable landed property in Abuja districts such as Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarimpa. All property documents were to be deposited with the court, alongside sworn affidavits of means. The defendants were also ordered to surrender their international passports and were prohibited from traveling outside the country without prior court approval.
The trio had been remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre following their arraignment on December 29, 2025, on multiple counts bordering on money laundering involving approximately ₦8.7 billion. Prosecutors alleged that the accused persons employed a network of companies, numerous bank accounts, and high-value real estate transactions to disguise and conceal proceeds believed to have been derived from unlawful activities.
Amid ongoing legal proceedings, Malami called for the recusal of the EFCC Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, alleging bias in matters involving him. Through his media aide, Mohammed Bello, Malami described the chairman’s involvement as “legally untenable, morally indefensible, and constitutionally impermissible,” citing Chapter 9 of the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry Report. Malami noted that during his tenure as Attorney-General, he oversaw the establishment of the Salami Commission, where Olukoyede served as secretary. He argued that the report had created “personal and professional exposure” for individuals now managing his prosecution.
In response, EFCC Chairman Olukoyede dismissed allegations of political targeting during an interview on January 11. He stated that the investigation began prior to his tenure and that his role was limited to editing the investigation file and ensuring the process remained professional and thorough. “If Nigeria is to move forward, all of us must agree that this fight must be fought without being partisan,” he emphasized.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has yet to issue an official statement regarding their recent actions.
According to the sources, security operatives intercepted and detained him immediately after he exited the correctional facility, following his release in connection with the ongoing court proceedings. The new arrest is said to be linked to separate allegations now under investigation by security authorities.
Officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service confirmed that Malami was released after fulfilling strict bail requirements. As of the time of reporting, no official statement had been issued by the Department of State Services regarding the development.
Malami’s release came after a ruling delivered by the Federal High Court on January 7, 2026, granting bail to him, his wife, and his son in the sum of ₦500 million each under stringent conditions. The court directed that each defendant must present two sureties who own verifiable landed property in Abuja districts such as Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarimpa. All property documents were to be deposited with the court, alongside sworn affidavits of means. The defendants were also ordered to surrender their international passports and were prohibited from traveling outside the country without prior court approval.
The trio had been remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre following their arraignment on December 29, 2025, on multiple counts bordering on money laundering involving approximately ₦8.7 billion. Prosecutors alleged that the accused persons employed a network of companies, numerous bank accounts, and high-value real estate transactions to disguise and conceal proceeds believed to have been derived from unlawful activities.
Amid ongoing legal proceedings, Malami called for the recusal of the EFCC Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, alleging bias in matters involving him. Through his media aide, Mohammed Bello, Malami described the chairman’s involvement as “legally untenable, morally indefensible, and constitutionally impermissible,” citing Chapter 9 of the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry Report. Malami noted that during his tenure as Attorney-General, he oversaw the establishment of the Salami Commission, where Olukoyede served as secretary. He argued that the report had created “personal and professional exposure” for individuals now managing his prosecution.
In response, EFCC Chairman Olukoyede dismissed allegations of political targeting during an interview on January 11. He stated that the investigation began prior to his tenure and that his role was limited to editing the investigation file and ensuring the process remained professional and thorough. “If Nigeria is to move forward, all of us must agree that this fight must be fought without being partisan,” he emphasized.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has yet to issue an official statement regarding their recent actions.
