Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday arrested a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, in Abuja.
Malami was reportedly taken into custody in front of the Kuje Correctional Centre shortly after he paid a visit to the facility.
A video circulating on social media captured the former AGF walking toward a vehicle believed to belong to the DSS moments after leaving the prison premises. In the footage, Malami was seen asking the operatives to identify themselves by showing their official identity cards before entering the vehicle.
A security source, who confirmed the development, said the arrest followed multiple petitions filed against Malami, allegedly linked to terrorism financing.
“Yes, it is true that DSS operatives arrested Abubakar Malami, SAN. There are several petitions against him bordering on alleged terrorism financing,” the source said.
He added that allegations of terrorism and its financing are treated as serious offences globally, noting Malami’s previous stance while in office.
“Terrorism and terrorism financing are serious offences globally. You will recall that when Abubakar Malami, SAN, served as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, he publicly vowed that the government would not shield any individual linked to terrorism or its financing.”
According to the source, governments have a responsibility to investigate such claims irrespective of the status of those involved.
“No responsible government will fold its arms or turn a blind eye to serious allegations of terrorism financing against any individual, no matter how highly placed. In this case, Malami, SAN,” he said.
The source also explained that collaboration among security agencies is a routine aspect of investigations involving national security.
“In the course of investigations, we have what is called inter-agency cooperation. It is not uncommon for one security agency to hand over a suspect to another sister agency. In Nigeria, the DSS is statutorily responsible for investigating terrorism-related matters. It is best to allow them to do their job,” he declared.
What you should know
Abubakar Malami served as Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2023.
As the country’s chief law officer during that period, he played a central role in legal and security-related government decisions. The DSS is Nigeria’s primary agency for investigating terrorism and national security threats.
While allegations of terrorism financing are considered extremely serious under Nigerian and international law, investigations do not automatically imply guilt.
The outcome of the DSS probe will depend on findings from petitions, intelligence reviews, and due legal processes.
