Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has been re-arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) shortly after regaining freedom from Kuje Correctional Centre.
Malami, who served as Nigeria’s Attorney General between 2015 and 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, had just fulfilled bail conditions set in an ongoing Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) case. He, alongside his wife and son, was granted bail in the sum of N500 million each over alleged money laundering involving N8.7 billion.
The EFCC case reportedly involves suspected illicit financial transactions, luxury assets, and corporate interests, including Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited. However, shortly after his release, DSS operatives took Malami into custody over a separate security-related investigation.
Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that the DSS probe is linked to alleged discoveries of arms and ammunition at Malami’s residence, as well as suspected terrorism financing connections. The security agency’s action is said to be independent of the EFCC’s financial crimes investigation.
Malami is currently being held by the DSS as investigations continue. Authorities have yet to announce formal charges related to the fresh allegations.
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The re-arrest has triggered widespread reactions nationwide, with supporters hailing it as a bold step toward accountability, while critics question the timing and suggest possible political undertones ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Security agencies insist the matter is driven solely by national security concerns and due process.