Operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) on Monday arrested former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, shortly after his release from the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.
Malami was picked up as he exited the prison facility after fulfilling bail conditions granted by the Federal High Court in connection with N8.7bn money laundering charges filed against him, his wife and son by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a viral video of the incident, Malami was seen questioning the identity of the operatives, asking, “Who is your Oga among you?” and “Can I see your ID card?” before being escorted into a waiting vehicle.
The arrest was confirmed by security sources and was said to be linked to a fresh investigation over arms allegedly discovered at his residence in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, during EFCC raids in December.
The arrest marks the third phase of Malami’s detention since December 8, 2025, following earlier custody by the EFCC and subsequent remand in Kuje prison after his arraignment. His aide, Mohammed Doka, had earlier warned of an imminent rearrest, describing it as a threat to due process and alleging “trumped-up charges.”
Reports indicated that EFCC operatives recovered weapons during searches of Malami’s properties in Abuja, Kano and Birnin Kebbi, which were later handed over to the SSS for investigation, as arms-related offences fall outside the EFCC’s mandate.
Malami, who served as AGF from 2015 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, is currently facing 16 counts of money laundering involving about N8.7bn, while a court has also ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties valued at over N212bn, suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.