By Peter Omopo
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mallam Abubakar Malami (SAN), over allegations of terrorism financing.
Security sources said Malami was taken into custody on Tuesday outside the Kuje Correctional Service in Abuja, shortly after he perfected his bail conditions in an ongoing Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) case involving alleged ₦8 billion fraud.
According to the sources, the DSS action followed the discovery of arms and ammunition at Malami’s residence in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, during a search conducted by EFCC operatives as part of their financial investigations. The arms were reportedly handed over to the DSS for further inquiry.
A security official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the arrest, saying there were multiple petitions against the former minister alleging involvement in terrorism financing.
“Yes, it is true that DSS operatives arrested Malami. There are several petitions against him bordering on alleged terrorism financing. Terrorism and its financing are serious offences, and the DSS is the agency mandated to investigate such allegations,” the official said.
The source added that inter-agency collaboration between the EFCC and the DSS led to aspects of the investigation being transferred to the domestic intelligence agency.
Another intelligence source disclosed that a former minister, also linked to the matter, has been placed on a watch list. The source alleged that the individual is currently outside the country and may face repatriation proceedings if required by investigators.
Malami is already standing trial before a Federal High Court on separate economic and financial crimes charges. Justice Emeka Nwite had granted him and other defendants bail on January 7.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the DSS nor Malami’s legal team had issued an official statement on the arrest.
