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 shortly after visiting the Kuje Correctional Centre. He was said to have been picked up in front of the facility as he was leaving the premises.
A video circulating on social media captured the moment Malami was seen walking towards a vehicle believed to belong to the DSS. In the footage, he appeared to ask the operatives to identify themselves by presenting their official identity cards before entering the van.
A security source, who confirmed the development, said the arrest was linked to several petitions filed against the former minister, bordering on allegations of terrorism financing.
According to the source, terrorism and its financing are regarded as grave offences worldwide, stressing that such allegations cannot be ignored by any responsible government, regardless of the individual involved.
The source recalled that during Malami’s tenure as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, he had publicly stated that the government would not protect anyone linked to terrorism or the financing of terrorist activities.
He further explained that security investigations often involve collaboration among agencies, noting that inter-agency cooperation is a standard procedure in cases of this nature. In Nigeria, he said, the DSS is legally mandated to investigate terrorism-related matters.
The source urged the public to allow the DSS to carry out its investigations without interference, emphasising that allegations of this magnitude require thorough and professional handling in line with the law.
As of the time of reporting, there has been no official statement from Malami or his legal team regarding the arrest.
