Former AGF Abubakar Malami Re-Arrested, Taken Into DSS Custody After Release From Kuje Prison
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), was on Monday taken into custody by security operatives shortly after securing his release from the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) reportedly intercepted Malami immediately after he exited the facility. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) clarified that it was not responsible for the re-arrest.
Officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service confirmed that Malami had perfected his bail conditions before being released. One official stated: “He has been released. He perfected his bail conditions and was released this afternoon.” Another added that Malami voluntarily joined DSS operatives in their vehicle after his release.
Video footage obtained by reporters showed Malami being escorted into a black vehicle, during which he queried the operatives: “Who is the oga among you? Can I see your ID card?”
Efforts to obtain official comment from the DSS spokesperson were unsuccessful. EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, reiterated: “We didn’t pick him up after he was released.”
Malami’s release followed the bail granted on 7 January 2026 by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja. The court admitted Malami, his wife Asabe, and his son to bail in the sum of ₦500 million each, subject to stringent conditions: two sureties with verifiable landed property in Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarimpa, deposit of property documents with the court, submission of affidavits of means, surrender of international passports, and restriction from foreign travel without prior court approval.
The trio had been remanded at Kuje following their arraignment by the EFCC on 29 December 2025 on a 16-count charge bordering on money laundering involving approximately ₦8.7 billion.
According to EFCC filings (FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025), Malami and his son allegedly used Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal over ₦1.01 billion between July 2022 and June 2025. Another ₦600 million was said to have passed through a Sterling Bank account linked to the company between September 2020 and February 2021.
The EFCC further alleged that the defendants disguised the origin of ₦500 million used to acquire a luxury duplex on Amazon Street, Maitama.
Malami had been in EFCC custody since 8 December 2025 after failing to meet earlier bail conditions. On 18 December, Justice Babangida Hassan of the FCT High Court upheld his continued detention as lawful.
