The Department of State Services (DSS) has begun the process of securing a court order to further detain former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), as investigations into alleged terrorism financing and related offences continue.
Sources familiar with the matter told SaharaReporters that the DSS is seeking a remand order to keep Malami in custody beyond the initial detention period, citing the complexity and seriousness of the ongoing investigation.
Malami, who served as Nigeria’s chief law officer from 2015 to 2023 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, is reportedly being questioned over his handling of a list of alleged Nigerian terrorism financiers released by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2021, as well as other terrorism-related issues during his tenure.
A source close to the investigation said the case could not be concluded quickly due to its scope. “The investigation is likely to take a long time, which is why we are seeking a court order to detain him further,” the source disclosed.
In 2021, the UAE identified six Nigerians as alleged financiers of the Boko Haram insurgent group following the issuance of Cabinet Resolution No. 83, which listed individuals and entities linked to terrorism across several countries. The revelation sparked widespread controversy in Nigeria, with critics questioning the absence of public prosecutions despite the gravity of the allegations.
During his time in office, Malami repeatedly assured Nigerians that no individual involved in terrorism or its financing would be shielded from prosecution, regardless of status.
Beyond the UAE list, Malami is also being questioned over an alleged arms cache discovered at his residence in Kebbi State, as well as multiple petitions accusing him of involvement in terrorism and terrorism financing.
The former minister’s detention follows days of tension surrounding his stalled bail after a Federal High Court granted him bail in a separate ₦8.7 billion money laundering case. Despite meeting bail conditions, Malami remained in custody at the Kuje Correctional Facility amid heavy DSS presence.
The situation escalated last week when his son was reportedly arrested at the prison premises. On Monday, Malami eventually surrendered himself to the DSS, one week after his bail was stalled and shortly after activist Omoyele Sowore announced plans to visit the facility to intervene.
Political analysts note that the case reflects a broader pattern of post-tenure scrutiny of senior officials who held significant power during the Buhari administration, particularly over security, corruption, and governance-related decisions.
