Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), may remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) for an extended period as investigations into alleged terrorism financing intensify.
Security sources say the DSS is seeking a court order to lawfully detain Malami beyond the statutory period, citing the sensitive and complex nature of the probe, which could last several months.
Malami was rearrested by DSS operatives on Monday minutes after perfecting his bail and regaining freedom from Kuje Correctional Centre, where he had been held since December 2025 over separate money laundering charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The EFCC had accused Malami, alongside his wife and son, of conspiring to conceal proceeds of unlawful activities worth about ₦8.7 billion through multiple corporate entities, bank accounts, and high-value properties.
The trio pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charge and were granted bail of ₦500 million each on January 7, 2026.
According to sources, the DSS investigation focuses on Malami’s handling of a terror financiers’ list released by the United Arab Emirates in 2021, which named several Nigerians allegedly linked to Boko Haram.
Investigators are also probing petitions alleging terrorism financing and an arms cache reportedly discovered at his Kebbi residence.
Analysts say the case reflects growing post-tenure scrutiny of former top government officials, especially those who held influential positions during the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
For now, Malami is expected to remain in DSS custody pending the outcome of the agency’s request for a court-approved extended detention order.
