Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), was on Monday taken into custody by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) shortly after his release from the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.
Malami was reportedly picked up by DSS operatives immediately after he exited the facility. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) clarified that it was not responsible for the fresh arrest.
Officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service confirmed that Malami was released after meeting his bail conditions. One official said he perfected his bail and was freed in the afternoon, adding that he subsequently joined DSS operatives in their vehicle.
A video seen by journalists showed Malami being escorted to a black vehicle outside the correctional centre, during which he was heard asking DSS operatives to identify themselves.
Efforts to get a response from the DSS spokesperson, Favour Dozie, were unsuccessful, as calls were not returned. EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, reiterated that the anti-graft agency did not re-arrest Malami.
Malami’s release followed a January 7 ruling by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which granted bail to him, his wife Asabe, and his son in the sum of ₦500 million each, with stringent conditions. The defendants were required to produce two sureties with verified landed property in Asokoro, Maitama or Gwarimpa, deposit property documents with the court, submit affidavits of means, and surrender their international passports.
Malami, his wife and son were remanded at Kuje on December 29, 2025, following their arraignment by the EFCC on 16 counts of alleged money laundering involving about ₦8.7 billion.
The EFCC alleged that the defendants used multiple companies, bank accounts and real estate transactions to launder illicit funds. Court documents indicated that Malami and his son allegedly used Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal over ₦1.01 billion between 2022 and 2025, while another ₦600 million allegedly passed through a linked Sterling Bank account. The commission also claimed the trio disguised the source of ₦500 million used to purchase a luxury duplex in Maitama.
Malami had been in EFCC custody since December 8, 2025, after failing to meet earlier bail conditions, a detention later upheld by an FCT High Court.
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