Former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has raised alarm over an alleged plan by security agencies to rearrest him immediately upon release from the Kuje Correctional Centre, despite a recent court order granting him bail in an ongoing money laundering trial.
In a press statement issued Wednesday evening by his Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka, Malami’s office claimed credible intelligence indicates that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have mounted surveillance around the Kuje facility in preparation for a fresh arrest on “trumped-up and unrelated charges.”
The statement described the alleged plot as a “grave assault on constitutional safeguards and an abuse of state power,” warning that it undermines judicial authority and public confidence in the justice system. It further placed on record concerns for the safety of Malami, his family, and staff, stating that any harm or unlawful detention would be the responsibility of those involved.
Malami, who served as AGF under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2023, emphasized his consistent respect for the rule of law and readiness to face lawful processes. The release called on authorities, the legal community, civil society, and the international community to monitor the situation and ensure compliance with court orders.
This development follows a Federal High Court ruling on Wednesday granting Malami, his son Abdulaziz Malami, and an associate, Hajia Bashir Asabe, bail of ₦500 million each (totaling ₦1.5 billion) in a 16-count charge of money laundering involving over ₦8.7 billion. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges the funds were laundered through companies linked to the family between 2015 and 2025, including concealment via bank accounts and property acquisitions.
The defendants pleaded not guilty and were remanded in Kuje pending bail perfection. The case has been adjourned to February 17, 2026, for trial commencement.
Malami’s camp referenced a prior incident where a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory granted bail in a related matter, but the EFCC allegedly failed to release him, frustrating the order.
Reports from sources, including Sahara Reporters, indicate heightened DSS presence at Kuje since Wednesday, with over 50 operatives deployed in convoys. Security sources described the move as precautionary to prevent escape amid a separate probe into alleged terrorism financing links, though no formal charges have been confirmed on this.
Neither the DSS nor EFCC has officially responded to the rearrest allegations as of Thursday. Malami remains in custody pending fulfillment of bail conditions, which include two sureties and surrender of travel documents.
The case has sparked debate on due process, with critics viewing it as part of broader anti-corruption efforts targeting former Buhari-era officials, while supporters allege political motivation. Malami has denied wrongdoing and accused the EFCC of media trials in related statements.
Further updates are expected as bail processes continue.
