Amanze Chinonye
Fresh details have emerged surrounding the rearrest of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), with security sources confirming that the action by the Department of State Services (DSS) goes beyond the alleged discovery of arms at his Kebbi residence and extends to petitions alleging terrorism financing.
Malami was taken into DSS custody on Monday minutes after leaving the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, where he had completed bail formalities in an ongoing money-laundering trial. Eyewitness accounts and video footage circulating online showed DSS operatives intercepting him outside the prison gates and escorting him into a security vehicle.
According to security sources cited by national newspapers, the DSS intervention followed fresh intelligence reports and petitions said to have raised national security concerns.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe sources said the development was part of inter-agency cooperation after items of security interest were allegedly recovered by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) during a search of Malami’s country home in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.
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The arms allegedly discovered during the EFCC operation were reportedly handed over to the DSS, which has statutory responsibility for investigations bordering on internal security, illegal arms possession and terrorism-related offences.
Malami’s camp has, however, rejected the rearrest, describing it as an abuse of power. His media aide, Mohammed Doka, alleged that DSS operatives deliberately waited for the former justice minister to perfect his bail conditions before effecting the arrest, a move he said amounted to harassment and a violation of due process.
The development has sparked reactions from senior lawyers and civil rights groups, who have expressed concern over the optics of rearresting a suspect immediately after bail. They warned that while security agencies are empowered to investigate fresh allegations, the process must comply strictly with constitutional safeguards to avoid what they described as “detention by stealth.”
The controversy deepened with reports that Malami’s son, Abdulaziz, was also rearrested by security operatives shortly after attempts were made to process his release from Kuje Prison, further fuelling debate over the conduct of the security agencies.
Malami, his wife and son are currently standing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged ₦8.7 billion money-laundering offences, charges they have denied. Legal experts note that the DSS action does not nullify the bail granted in the EFCC case but introduces a parallel national security investigation that could result in additional charges.
As of the time of filing this report, Malami remains in DSS custody, with neither the DSS nor the EFCC issuing an official statement on the specific nature of the alleged arms discovery or the terrorism-related petitions under investigation.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
