Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has been re-arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) shortly after his release from Kuje Prison, Abuja, on Monday. The arrest followed the fulfillment of bail conditions earlier granted in connection with an ongoing money laundering trial.

A video circulating on social media shows Malami questioning the operatives and requesting to see their identity cards before entering a DSS vehicle. The footage has since fueled public debate surrounding the circumstances of the re-arrest.

Fresh Probe Over Alleged Terrorism Financing

According to security sources, the DSS initiated a fresh investigation into Malami based on multiple petitions alleging terrorism financing. The probe reportedly followed the discovery of arms at Malami’s country home in Kebbi State during a search conducted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

A security official described terrorism and its financing as grave global crimes that demand thorough investigation. The source recalled Malami’s previous public stance as Attorney-General, where he pledged that no individual linked to terrorism would be protected. The official emphasized that such allegations, particularly against a former senior government official, could not be ignored.

The DSS’s action was described as part of inter-agency cooperation, noting that the agency is Nigeria’s primary authority for investigating terrorism-related cases. Malami has denied the allegations, insisting that the renewed actions against him are politically motivated. His media aide, Mohammed Doka, had earlier claimed that DSS operatives were monitoring Kuje Prison in anticipation of Malami’s release and re-arrest.

Background: EFCC Trial and Asset Forfeiture

Before the DSS intervention, Malami, his son Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and his wife Bashir Asabe were standing trial before a Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged money laundering offences. On January 7, the court granted them bail in the sum of ₦500 million each, with stringent conditions including the provision of two sureties per defendant, each owning property in high-value areas such as Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarimpa.

The EFCC filed a 16-count charge, accusing the defendants of conspiring to launder ₦8.71 billion between 2015 and 2025 through multiple bank accounts and corporate entities to conceal the origin of the funds. All defendants pleaded not guilty.

In addition, the court ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties valued at approximately ₦213 billion, suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities allegedly linked to Malami. The case remains before the court as investigations continue.