DSS seeks court order to prolong Malami’s detention over terror financing probe

Abubakar Malami, former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice,  may remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) for an extended period as investigations into fresh allegations against him intensify.

A security source disclosed to newsmen that the DSS is in the process of obtaining a court order to keep Malami in detention beyond the statutory period, citing the sensitive and complex nature of the ongoing investigations, which may take several months to conclude.

Malami was taken into DSS custody on Monday, barely minutes after he perfected his bail and stepped out of the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, where he had been detained since early December 2025.

His arrest came shortly after his release from custody over money laundering charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The former AGF was initially arrested by the EFCC over allegations that he conspired with his wife, Asabe, and their son to conceal proceeds of unlawful activities amounting to about N8.7 billion.

The anti-graft agency alleged that the offences involved the use of multiple corporate entities, bank accounts and high-value real estate transactions in Abuja and other parts of the country.

On December 29, 2025, Malami, his wife and son were arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja on 16 counts bordering on money laundering and conspiracy.

The trio pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Before the arraignment, Malami had failed to meet earlier bail conditions, resulting in his continued detention from December 8. On December 18, a Federal Capital Territory High Court, presided over by  Babangida Hassan (Justice), upheld his detention, ruling that it was lawful under the circumstances.

However, on January 7,  Emeka Nwite (Justice) of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted Malami, his wife and son bail in the sum of N500 million each, with stringent conditions.

The court ordered each defendant to produce two sureties with verifiable landed property within Asokoro, Maitama or Gwarimpa areas of Abuja.

Nwite further directed that the title documents of the properties be deposited with the court for verification by the Deputy Chief Registrar, while the sureties were to depose to affidavits of means.

Twelve days after the bail ruling, Malami perfected the conditions and was leaving the correctional centre when DSS operatives picked him up.

According to the source familiar with the matter,  Malami may not regain his freedom anytime soon, as the DSS is probing him over alleged issues relating to terrorism and terrorism financing.

The source further noted that the ex-AGF is being questioned over his handling of the list of Nigerian terror financiers released by the United Arab Emirates in 2021.

“The investigation is likely going to take a long time. That is why we are working to get a court order to detain him further.

“There are several issues he is being questioned on. One of them is the handling of the terrorism financiers list released by the UAE in 2021 and some terror financiers during his term as Attorney General of the Federation.

“This investigation will take a very long time. I am not sure he will be released anytime soon”, the source said.

In 2021, authorities in the United Arab Emirates named six Nigerians as having links to the insurgent group Boko Haram.

The UAE Cabinet, through Resolution No. 83 of 2021, designated 38 individuals and 15 entities on its approved list of persons and organisations supporting Boko Haram and other terrorist causes.

The Nigerians listed included Abdurrahman Ado Musa, Salihu Yusuf Adamu, Bashir Ali Yusuf, Muhammed Ibrahim Isa, Ibrahim Ali Alhassan and Surajo Abubakar Muhammad.

Investigators are also said to be probing Malami over an arms cache allegedly discovered at his residence in Kebbi State, as well as several petitions accusing him of terrorism financing.

“He will also be questioned on the arms cache found in his Kebbi home. Beyond that, there are petitions against him bordering on alleged terrorism financing.

“Terrorism and terrorism financing are serious offences globally. When Malami was Attorney General, he repeatedly vowed that the government would not shield anyone linked to terrorism or its financing, no matter how highly placed”, the source said.

The source also added that the current probe reflects standard inter-agency cooperation, noting that it is not unusual for one security agency to transfer a suspect to another for further investigation.