The 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, 9News Nigeria reports.
Security sources disclosed that the DSS is intensifying its probe and has begun moves to obtain a court order that would allow it to lawfully detain Malami until investigations are concluded, a process said to be complex and potentially lengthy.
Malami was re-arrested on Monday by DSS operatives shortly after securing his bail and stepping out of the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja. His arrest came barely minutes after his release, following weeks in detention over money laundering allegations brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to sources familiar with the latest investigation, the DSS is questioning Malami over issues bordering on terrorism and terrorism financing, including his alleged handling of sensitive intelligence on terror financiers during his tenure as Attorney General.
A security source privy to 9News Nigeria revealed that the investigation is not something that could be concluded quickly. “We are dealing with terrorism-related matters, including how certain intelligence reports were handled. That is why the DSS is seeking a court order to detain him further while investigations continue.”
One of the focal points of the probe is the list of alleged Nigerian terrorism financiers released by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2021. The UAE had, under Cabinet Resolution No. 83 of 2021, designated six Nigerians among dozens of individuals and entities accused of supporting Boko Haram and other terrorist organisations. The publication of the list at the time triggered widespread controversy and questions about Nigeria’s internal response to the intelligence.
Investigators are also said to be examining petitions alleging terrorism financing against Malami, as well as an arms cache reportedly discovered at his residence in Kebbi State.
The renewed DSS investigation comes on the heels of Malami’s ongoing legal battle with the EFCC. The anti-graft agency had earlier accused him of conspiring with his wife, Asabe, and their son to conceal proceeds of unlawful activities valued at about ₦8.7 billion through multiple corporate entities, bank accounts and high-value real estate transactions across Abuja and other locations.
Malami and his family were arraigned on December 29, 2025, before a Federal High Court in Abuja on 16 counts of money laundering and conspiracy, to which they pleaded not guilty. After failing to meet initial bail conditions, Malami remained in custody until January 7, when Justice Emeka Nwite granted him, his wife and son bail in the sum of ₦500 million each, with stringent conditions.
Twelve days later, after perfecting his bail, he was taken into DSS custody.
Observers note the irony that Malami, while serving as Attorney General from 2015 to 2023, had repeatedly declared that no individual, regardless of status, would be shielded from prosecution over terrorism or its financing. Analysts say his current predicament underscores the growing post-tenure scrutiny of former senior officials of the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
As the DSS continues its interrogation, security officials insist that due process will be followed. “Terrorism and terrorism financing are grave offences globally,” a source said. “The DSS is the agency mandated to handle such matters, and it is important to allow investigations to run their full course.”
For now, indications suggest that Malami may not regain his freedom anytime soon, as the security agency presses ahead with what it describes as a sensitive national security investigation.
