Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has reportedly delayed the completion of his bail process following the deployment of operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) to the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja.
It was earlier reported that the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) was placed under intense security beginning Wednesday, with more than 50 DSS operatives reportedly stationed at strategic points around the facility.
Sources familiar with the situation described a tense atmosphere at the prison as the operatives arrived in a convoy of approximately six Toyota Hilux vans and established a security perimeter around the prison gates, closely monitoring all movements in and out of the facility.
According to the sources, the deployment was aimed at preventing Malami—who is currently being held at the custodial centre—from evading an ongoing investigation into alleged terrorism financing.
This followed the granting of bail to the former minister by the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday in connection with his ₦8.7 billion money laundering case.
It was learnt that Malami subsequently instructed his legal team to slow down the bail process amid concerns that DSS operatives were poised to re-arrest him immediately upon release over the terrorism financing investigation.
“Malami has slowed down his bail processing as DSS operatives besiege Kuje Prison to arrest him for terrorism related charges upon being released on bail,” a top security source said.
“The former attorney general has told his lawyers to step down his bail processing as over 50 DSS officers lay siege to the prison compound waiting to pounce on him.”
Sources also disclosed that Malami has remained inside the prison’s VIP segregation cell, a section reportedly refurbished by former police intelligence chief, Abba Kyari, and previously used to house other high-profile detainees.
Meanwhile, Malami’s son, Abubakar Abdulaziz—who was remanded at Kuje Prison alongside his father and Malami’s fourth wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe—remains at the prison clinic.
Abdulaziz was taken to the clinic after he “suddenly fell ill” shortly after their arrival at the custodial facility. He was subsequently admitted for observation.
Malami, Asabe and Abdulaziz were arraigned on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
They are facing a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, procuring, disguising, concealing and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities amounting to ₦8,713,923,759.49, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
On Wednesday, Justice Nwite granted bail to Malami and the two co-defendants in the sum of ₦500 million each, with two sureties per defendant. The court ordered that the sureties must own landed property in highbrow areas of Abuja, including Asokoro, Maitama or Gwarinpa, and must deposit their travel documents with the court.
The judge further directed that the property documents be verified by the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court and that the sureties swear to affidavits of means. Malami was also ordered to submit his travel documents and was barred from leaving the country without the court’s permission.
(SAHARA REPORTERS)
Post A Comment: