Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has been arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) shortly after meeting his bail conditions and leaving Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.

Malami had been initially detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside his wife and son over alleged money laundering offences, and was subsequently granted ₦500 million bail each. However, a security source revealed that he was immediately taken into DSS custody following his release as the agency launched a fresh investigation based on new allegations.

The source disclosed that the probe is linked to the discovery of arms at Malami’s country home in Kebbi State, allegedly uncovered during an EFCC search of the property. Multiple petitions have reportedly been filed against Malami, bordering on alleged terrorism financing.

“Yes, it is true that DSS operatives arrested Abubakar Malami, SAN. There are several petitions against him bordering on alleged terrorism financing. Terrorism and terrorism financing are serious offences globally,” the source said.

The source recalled Malami’s public stance while serving as Attorney-General, noting that he had vowed the Federal Government would not shield anyone linked to terrorism or its financing.

“You’ll recall that when Abubakar Malami, SAN, was the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, he vowed that the government of the day would not shield any person or persons linked to terrorism or terrorism financing,” the source added.

Explaining the inter-agency transfer, the source said the DSS, as the constitutionally mandated agency for terrorism-related investigations, took over the case from the EFCC.

“In the course of investigations, we have what is called inter-agency cooperation. It is not uncommon for one security agency to hand over a person under investigation to another sister security agency. In Nigeria, the DSS is the sole security agency tasked with the responsibility of investigating such allegations,” she said, urging the public to allow the agency to carry out its investigation without interference.

Meanwhile, Malami continues to deny all allegations, maintaining his innocence and describing the probe as a politically motivated witch-hunt by the current administration.