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, according to
security sources.
Malami was taken into DSS custody on Monday, shortly
after perfecting his bail and securing his release from the Kuje
Correctional Centre, Abuja, where he had been detained since December over
money-laundering charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC).
Multiple security sources disclosed that the DSS is
seeking a court order to legally extend Malami’s detention, citing the
sensitive and complex nature of the investigation, which could span several
months.
The former AGF was earlier arraigned alongside his
wife, Asabe, and their son on 16 counts of money laundering and
conspiracy, involving the alleged concealment of proceeds of unlawful
activities valued at approximately ?8.7 billion. The EFCC alleged that
the funds were laundered through multiple companies, bank accounts, and
high-value real estate transactions in Abuja and other locations. All three
defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
After initially failing to meet bail conditions,
Malami remained in custody until January 7, 2026, when Justice Emeka
Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted him, his wife, and son
bail in the sum of ?500 million each, with strict conditions including
the provision of sureties owning landed property in prime areas of the Federal
Capital Territory.
Twelve days later, after fulfilling the bail
requirements, Malami was released from custody but was immediately re-arrested
by operatives of the DSS.
Sources familiar with the investigation revealed that
Malami is being questioned over his alleged role in the handling of
intelligence and legal issues related to a terror financing list released by
the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2021, which named several Nigerians as
alleged financiers of Boko Haram and other terrorist groups.
“The investigation will take time. Matters relating to
terrorism and its financing are extremely sensitive. The DSS is working within
the law to obtain a court order to retain him while investigations continue,” a
security source said.
The UAE list, issued under Cabinet Resolution No.
83 of 2021, named six Nigerians among 38 individuals and 15 entities
designated for alleged links to terrorism, sparking widespread debate in
Nigeria at the time over the country’s response to foreign intelligence
reports.
Investigators are also reportedly examining an arms
cache allegedly discovered at Malami’s residence in Kebbi State, as well
as petitions accusing him of involvement in terrorism financing.
Security sources emphasised that the DSS, as Nigeria’s
lead counter-terrorism intelligence agency, is mandated to investigate such
allegations, noting that cooperation between the DSS and EFCC is standard in
cases involving financial crimes and national security.
Political analysts say the case highlights increasing
post-tenure scrutiny of senior officials of the Muhammadu Buhari
administration, particularly those who wielded substantial legal and
institutional authority.
As of press time, neither Malami nor his legal team
had issued an official response to the latest developments.
Comments:
Leave a Reply