Ex-AGF Malami Faces Extended DSS Detention Amid Terrorism Financing Probe
Former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), may spend an extended period in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Security sources say the DSS is working to obtain a court order to keep Malami detained until investigations are concluded.
His latest arrest came on Monday, shortly after he was released on bail from the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, where he had been held since early December over allegations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Malami, alongside his wife, Asabe, and their son, had been arraigned on December 29, 2025, on 16 counts of money laundering and conspiracy involving alleged concealment of N8.7bn through corporate entities, bank accounts, and high-value real estate transactions across the country. All three pleaded not guilty.
After initially failing to meet bail conditions, Malami and his family were granted bail of N500 million each on January 7 by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, with strict conditions including the provision of two sureties with verifiable property in Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarimpa, Abuja.
Twelve days later, after perfecting bail, Malami was taken into DSS custody.
Sources indicate that the extended detention is linked to complex and sensitive investigations, including Malami’s handling of a 2021 list of Nigerian terror financiers released by the United Arab Emirates.
The UAE had named six Nigerians allegedly linked to Boko Haram and other terrorist organisations, sparking controversy over whether Nigerian authorities acted on the intelligence.
Investigators are also reportedly probing an arms cache allegedly found at Malami’s Kebbi home, as well as multiple petitions alleging terrorism financing.
A security source said, “Terrorism and terrorism financing are serious offences globally. The DSS is the agency tasked with investigating such matters. It’s not uncommon for one security agency to hand over a suspect to another for specialised investigations.”
Political analysts note that Malami’s case is part of a broader pattern of post-tenure scrutiny of former top officials who held significant influence under the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
