Fresh Trouble As DSS Rearrests ex-AGF Malami After Kuje Prison Release

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has been taken into custody by operatives of the Department of State Services shortly after his release from the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.

The former minister was reportedly arrested on Thursday after completing his bail conditions granted by a Federal High Court.

Malami was taken into custody by DSS operatives moments after leaving the correctional facility, where he had been held following his arraignment.

Although details of the arrest were yet to be officially disclosed, it was gathered that the former Attorney-General is facing a fresh investigation by the secret police.

A security source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the arrest was not connected to the charges for which he was earlier remanded in prison.

Investigations revealed that the new development may be linked to the alleged discovery of arms at Malami’s country home in Kebbi State.

According to findings, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission reportedly uncovered the arms during a search of the former minister’s residence, prompting security concerns that attracted the attention of the DSS.

However, as of the time of filing this report, neither the DSS nor the EFCC had issued an official statement confirming the discovery or the nature of the alleged arms.

Recall that a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Wednesday granted Malami bail alongside his wife and son.

The court fixed bail at ₦500 million each, with two sureties in like sum, ordering that the sureties must be persons of verifiable means and acceptable to the court.

The former minister was said to have fulfilled the bail conditions before his release from Kuje Prison.

Prior to his rearrest, Malami had raised concerns over what he described as a plot by the DSS to re-arrest him.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka, the former Attorney-General alleged that operatives of the DSS had been carrying out surveillance around the correctional centre.

He claimed that the move was aimed at re-arresting him immediately after his release.

The statement read in part that the alleged surveillance heightened fears within Malami’s camp about possible violations of his rights, despite complying with court orders.

Background

Malami, who served as Attorney-General of the Federation from 2015 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, has been under intense scrutiny by anti-corruption and security agencies since leaving office.

His tenure was marked by several controversial legal decisions and high-profile cases, many of which attracted public criticism and legal challenges.

In recent months, Malami has faced multiple investigations linked to alleged financial improprieties and abuse of office, although he has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

The latest arrest by the DSS further deepens the legal troubles of the former justice minister and adds another layer to the ongoing probes involving him and members of his family.