Abubakar-Malami
Picnews
Abubakar Malami, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, is facing a prolonged detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged terrorism financing. Malami was rearrested by the DSS immediately after perfecting his bail conditions and being released from Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja. The DSS is investigating him for alleged links to terrorist activities or financing networks .
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had initially detained Malami over allegations of money laundering, involving about N8.7 billion. He was granted bail by the Federal High Court in Abuja, but the DSS took him into custody shortly after his release, citing fresh allegations of terrorism financing.
Malami’s troubles began when the EFCC discovered arms and ammunition at his residence in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, during a search related to financial crimes. The matter was handed over to the DSS, as it falls outside the EFCC’s mandate. The DSS is now probing Malami’s involvement in terrorism financing, including his handling of a list of Nigerian terror financiers released by the United Arab Emirates.
The investigation is expected to take a long time, with the DSS seeking a court order to prolong Malami’s detention. Sources indicate that Malami is being questioned over his role in terrorism financing, including links to suspected terrorists and his handling of recovered Abacha loot.
Malami has denied any involvement in terrorism financing, citing his contributions to Nigeria’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing efforts during his tenure as AGF. He was instrumental in establishing the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit and strengthening laws against terrorism financing.
The DSS has deployed over 50 operatives to Kuje Prison, where Malami was previously held, to prevent any potential escape. The investigation is ongoing, and Malami’s legal team is expected to seek remedies, possibly including applications for protective orders or habeas corpus.
