Former Attorney General of the Federation, 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 deepen, The PUNCH has learnt.
Multiple security sources disclosed that the DSS is preparing to approach the court for an order to detain Malami beyond the statutory period, citing the sensitive, complex, and transnational nature of the investigation, which could span several months.
Malami was taken into DSS custody on Monday, moments after he perfected his bail and exited the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja. The rearrest followed weeks of detention over money laundering allegations instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The former Attorney General had been in custody since December 8 after failing to meet initial bail conditions. On December 18, a Federal Capital Territory High Court upheld his continued detention. It was not until January 7 that Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, granted bail to Malami, his wife Asabe, and their son in the sum of ₦500 million each, with stringent conditions, including two sureties owning landed property in highbrow areas of Abuja.
Twelve days after meeting the bail terms, Malami was rearrested by the DSS.
Sources familiar with the ongoing probe said the DSS is interrogating Malami over his alleged handling of intelligence related to terrorism financing, particularly the list of suspected Nigerian terror financiers released by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2021.
“This investigation will take time. That is why we are seeking a court order to retain him in custody,” a security source said. “A major issue under review is how the UAE terror financiers’ list was treated during his tenure as Attorney General.”
In 2021, the UAE issued Resolution No. 83, naming six Nigerians among 38 individuals and 15 entities accused of financing Boko Haram and other terrorist organisations. The development sparked nationwide controversy and raised questions over Nigeria’s response to foreign intelligence disclosures.
Ironically, while in office, Malami repeatedly stated that the federal government would not protect or shield any individual linked to terrorism or its financing, irrespective of status. Investigators are now said to be re-examining those assurances in light of the allegations against him.
Beyond the terror financing probe, Malami is also being questioned over reports of an alleged arms cache discovered at his residence in Kebbi State, as well as multiple petitions alleging links to terrorism financing.
Security sources emphasised that terrorism-related offences are treated with the utmost seriousness globally, noting that the DSS is constitutionally mandated to investigate terrorism and related offences, often in collaboration with other security agencies.
Political analysts view Malami’s ordeal as part of a broader post-tenure scrutiny of influential officials from the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. As Attorney General and Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2023, Malami played key roles in high-profile corruption cases, asset recoveries, and controversial legal decisions that frequently drew public attention.
With the DSS now seeking judicial approval for extended detention, sources insist that Malami is unlikely to regain his freedom in the immediate future asinvestigations intensify.
Post A Comment: