Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, over fresh allegations linked to terrorism financing.
Security sources disclosed that Malami was taken into custody shortly after his release from the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja on Monday, January 19. According to the sources, DSS operatives picked him up immediately after he exited the facility.
Officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service confirmed that Malami had been released after meeting stringent bail conditions, although efforts to obtain an official response from the DSS were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
Malami’s release followed a ruling by the Federal High Court on January 7, 2026, in which Justice Emeka Nwite granted bail to Malami, his wife Asabe, and his son in the sum of ₦500 million each. The court imposed strict conditions, including the provision of two sureties with verifiable landed property in Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarimpa, surrender of property documents to the court, submission of affidavits of means, and the surrender of international passports. The defendants were also barred from travelling outside the country without court approval.
The former justice minister, his wife, and son were remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre after being arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on December 29, 2025. They are facing a 16-count charge of money laundering involving approximately ₦8.7 billion. The EFCC alleged that the defendants used corporate entities, multiple bank accounts, and high-value real estate transactions to conceal proceeds of unlawful activities.
Amid the legal proceedings, Malami accused EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede of bias and demanded his recusal from all matters concerning him. In a statement issued by his media aide, Mohammed Bello, Malami described the EFCC chairman’s involvement as “legally untenable, morally indefensible, and constitutionally impermissible,” citing findings from the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry Report.
Malami argued that while serving as Attorney General, he oversaw the establishment of the Salami Commission, where Olukoyede served as secretary, creating what he described as “personal and professional exposure” for individuals now overseeing his prosecution.
However, speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics on January 11, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede dismissed claims of political persecution, stating that the investigation predates his tenure. He maintained that his role was limited to reviewing the case file to ensure a professional and thorough investigation. “If Nigeria is to move forward, all of us must agree that this fight must be fought without being partisan,” he said.
As of the time of reporting, the DSS has yet to issue an official statement on the arrest.
