Malami’s Fears Come Upon Him as DSS Rearrests Former AGF in Kuje Prison after Bail
Malami’s Fears Come Upon Him as DSS Rearrests Former AGF in Kuje Prison after Bail
The Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly rearrested the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
The incident occurred on Monday, January 19, 2026, moments after the former minister had successfully met the bail conditions set by the court for his release.
Malami had been in detention following a series of investigations and a high-profile fraud trial involving his family members.
Although a Federal High Court in Abuja had granted him bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties, his release was delayed for several days as his legal team worked to perfect the stringent conditions.
Upon his final clearance for release on Monday, DSS operatives who had been monitoring the facility moved in to take him back into custody.
According to reports, the rearrest is linked to a fresh investigation involving the alleged discovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition at Malami’s country home in Kebbi State.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had reportedly uncovered the weapons during a previous search of his residence and subsequently handed over the findings to the DSS, citing the matter as a national security issue beyond their mandate.
Before the rearrest, Malami’s media team had issued a statement raising an alarm over a perceived plot by security agencies to keep him in perpetual detention.
His aides alleged that the DSS had mounted heavy surveillance around the Kuje prison precincts specifically to intercept him the moment he stepped out. They described the move as a “grave assault on constitutional safeguards” and a deliberate attempt to bypass judicial orders.
The situation has sparked concerns regarding the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, as Malami’s legal team argues that their client has consistently shown a willingness to cooperate with lawful processes.
They maintained that the fresh allegations were “trumped-up” charges intended to frustrate the court’s decision to grant him freedom while the main trial continues.
As of Monday evening, the former Attorney-General remains in the custody of the DSS for further interrogation regarding the firearms probe. The development has drawn mixed reactions from the public and legal community, with many calling for transparency and adherence to due process to ensure that the enforcement of the law does not override the fundamental rights of the accused.
