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 deepen, The Rapidospace News online has learnt.
Security sources disclosed that the DSS is seeking a court order to prolong Malami’s detention, citing the sensitive and complex nature of the probe, which could take several months to conclude.
Malami was taken into DSS custody on Monday, moments after perfecting his bail and stepping out of the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, where he had been held since early December. He had been detained following allegations filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to the sources, the DSS intends to retain Malami pending the conclusion of investigations linked to terrorism and its financing, a responsibility legally vested in the agency.
Malami was initially arrested by the EFCC over allegations that he conspired with his wife, Asabe, and their son to conceal proceeds of unlawful activities valued at about ₦8.7bn.
The anti-graft agency alleged that the funds were laundered through multiple corporate entities, bank accounts and high-value real estate transactions in Abuja and other locations.
The trio was arraigned on December 29, 2025, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on 16 counts bordering on money laundering and conspiracy. They pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Malami had remained in custody after failing to meet earlier bail conditions. On December 18, a Federal Capital Territory High Court upheld his detention, ruling that it was lawful. However, on January 7, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court granted Malami, his wife and son bail in the sum of ₦500m each, with stringent conditions.
The court ordered each defendant to provide two sureties with verifiable landed property within Asokoro, Maitama or Gwarimpa areas of Abuja, and to deposit title documents with the court for verification.
Twelve days after meeting the bail conditions, Malami was rearrested by the DSS while exiting the correctional facility.
Sources familiar with the matter revealed that investigators are questioning Malami over his handling of the list of Nigerian terror financiers released by the United Arab Emirates in 2021.
One source said, The investigation will take a long time. That is why we are seeking a court order to detain him further. He is being questioned over several issues, including the UAE terrorism financiers list and other terror-related matters during his tenure as Attorney-General.
In 2021, the UAE named six Nigerians among individuals linked to the financing of Boko Haram. The development triggered controversy in Nigeria over the alleged failure to act decisively on intelligence provided by foreign governments.
Ironically, Malami had repeatedly stated while in office that the government would not shield anyone linked to terrorism or its financing, regardless of status.
Another source disclosed that Malami is also being questioned over an alleged arms cache discovered in his Kebbi residence, as well as multiple petitions accusing him of terrorism financing.
“Terrorism and its financing are grave offences globally. No responsible government can ignore such allegations, no matter how highly placed the individual involved, the source said, adding that inter-agency cooperation made the DSS the appropriate body to handle the investigation.
Political analysts say the probe reflects a broader trend of post-tenure scrutiny of senior officials who served during the Muhammadu Buhari administration, particularly those who wielded significant influence over security and justice matters.
