Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday, January 19, 2026, re-arrested former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), moments after his release from Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, where he had been remanded on money laundering charges.
Multiple security sources confirmed to DDNewsOnline that the arrest borders on fresh allegations of terrorism financing, stemming from several petitions filed against him. The development has sparked widespread reactions, with some linking it to an arms discovery at Malami’s country home in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, in December 2025.
A highly placed security source, speaking anonymously, said: “Yes, it is true that DSS operatives arrested Abubakar Malami. There are several petitions against him bordering on alleged terrorism financing.”
The source further described terrorism and its financing as “grave offences” under both Nigerian and international law, emphasising that no individual, regardless of status, is above investigation.
Malami, along with his son Abdulaziz Malami and wife Hajia Asabe Bashir, had been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on December 29, 2025, on 16 counts of alleged money laundering involving over N8.7 billion. They were remanded at Kuje on December 30 and granted bail on January 7, 2026, with conditions including a N1.5 billion surety for Malami.
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Reports suggest Malami deliberately delayed perfecting his bail to avoid immediate DSS arrest, but he was picked up at the prison entrance upon release.
The DSS has not issued an official statement, but sources indicate Malami is currently in custody for interrogation. The arms found at his Kebbi residence are also under investigation as part of the probe.
This arrest adds to the growing list of high-profile figures from the previous administration facing scrutiny for alleged corruption and security-related offences.
Malami’s legal team has yet to respond to inquiries, but close associates described the development as “politically motivated.”
This is a developing story.
By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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