DSS seeks court order to prolong Malami’s detention

Former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), may remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) for an extended period as investigations into alleged terror financing deepen.

Security sources disclosed that the DSS is moving to secure a court order to keep Malami detained pending the conclusion of what they described as sensitive and complex investigations expected to span several months.

Malami was taken into DSS custody on Monday, moments after he perfected his bail and was released from the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.

His re-arrest came shortly after he stepped out of the facility, where he had been held since early December following charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The former AGF had been arrested by the EFCC over allegations that he conspired with his wife, Asabe, and their son to conceal proceeds of unlawful activities estimated at N8.7bn.

The EFCC alleged that the funds were laundered through multiple corporate entities, bank accounts and high-value real estate transactions across Abuja and other locations.

Malami, his wife and son were arraigned on December 29, 2025, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on 16 counts bordering on money laundering and conspiracy. All three pleaded not guilty.

Although bail had earlier been granted, Malami was unable to meet the conditions and remained in custody. On December 18, a Federal Capital Territory High Court upheld his continued detention.

However, on January 7, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court granted the defendants bail in the sum of N500m each, with strict conditions, including the provision of two sureties owning verifiable landed property in Asokoro, Maitama or Gwarimpa, Abuja.

Twelve days later, after meeting the bail requirements, Malami was released from custody—only to be immediately picked up by the DSS.

Sources familiar with the ongoing probe said Malami is being questioned over his handling of intelligence related to Nigerian terror financiers, particularly a list released by the United Arab Emirates in 2021.

The UAE had then named six Nigerians among individuals allegedly linked to the financing of Boko Haram, triggering widespread controversy in Nigeria over the government’s response to the intelligence.

According to one source, “The investigation will take a long time. That is why the DSS is seeking a court order to detain him further.

He is being questioned on several issues, including the terror financiers’ list released by the UAE during his tenure as Attorney General.”

Investigators are also reportedly probing Malami over an alleged arms cache discovered at his residence in Kebbi State, as well as multiple petitions accusing him of terrorism financing.

Another security source stressed that terrorism and its financing are grave offences that require thorough investigation, adding that inter-agency cooperation in such cases is standard practice, with the DSS taking the lead.

Political observers say Malami’s ordeal underscores the growing scrutiny faced by former senior officials after leaving office.

As Attorney General and Minister of Justice between 2015 and 2023, Malami played key roles in major corruption cases, asset recoveries and legal decisions that often stirred public debate.

Ironically, during his time in office, Malami had consistently maintained that no individual, regardless of status, would be shielded if linked to terrorism or its financing.

Investigators are now revisiting those assurances as the probe continues.