FORMER ATTORNEY GENERAL ABUBAKAR MALAMI ARRESTED BY DSS ON TERRORISM FINANCING ALLEGATIONS

Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, has been taken into custody by operatives of the Department of State Services. The arrest occurred on January 19, 2026, shortly after his release from Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, where he had been detained in connection with a separate case by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Malami had just completed his bail conditions related to an ongoing EFCC case when DSS operatives apprehended him. This new arrest is reportedly linked to serious allegations of terrorism financing and the discovery of arms and ammunition at Malami’s country home in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.

The arms were initially uncovered by the EFCC during a search of his residence as part of their financial crime probe. Since the illegal possession of firearms falls outside the EFCC’s mandate, the agency handed the matter over to the DSS for comprehensive investigation.

Malami is already facing a 16-count charge from the EFCC related to alleged money laundering involving over N8 billion. These charges implicate him, his wife Asabe Bashir, and son Abdulaziz Malami in the use of companies to allegedly acquire numerous properties across states.

On the money laundering charges, Malami and his co-defendants are accused of using properties and Bureau De Change operators to disguise payments for high-end properties in various locations. Regarding the terrorism financing allegations, although not part of the formal EFCC charges, these claims have been made against Malami, which he denies.

Malami’s legal troubles began when the EFCC started probing his activities as Attorney General, focusing on alleged corruption and money laundering. Despite being granted bail, Malami’s release was stalled for some time due to concerns over potential rearrest by the DSS. He was eventually taken into DSS custody after finally completing his bail conditions.

The situation remains under investigation by both the EFCC and the DSS, with the latter now taking the lead on the terrorism financing and illegal arms allegations.