Former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami
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 his release from Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.
Malami was reportedly taken into custody after fulfilling his bail conditions and stepping out of the prison facility, according to Daily Trust reports.
Earlier, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arrested Malami alongside his wife and son over alleged money laundering. They were subsequently granted bail in the sum of N500 million each.
However, a security source disclosed that the former justice minister is now facing a fresh investigation by the DSS following the alleged discovery of arms at his country home in Kebbi State by EFCC operatives during a search.
When contacted, the DSS declined to issue an official statement on the development.
Nevertheless, a source familiar with the matter confirmed the arrest, saying:
“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.
“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 further explained:
“No responsible government would, in the same vein, fold its hands or turn a blind eye to weighty allegations of terrorism financing leveled against any individual, no matter how highly placed. In this case, Malami, SAN.
“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. It’ll be best to allow them do their job.”
Malami, on his part, has consistently denied all allegations against him, maintaining that he is innocent and accusing the current administration of witch-hunt.
