Abubakar Malami, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, has accused the Department of State Services of preventing him from seeing his family members and legal team after his re-arrest.
Gatekeepers News reports that Malami, who is facing money laundering charges alongside his wife and son, was earlier arraigned by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja. A Federal High Court granted him bail on January 7 in the sum of N500 million.
However, shortly after he was released from Kuje prison on Monday, operatives of the DSS reportedly arrested him again at the entrance of the correctional facility. The re-arrest was linked to reports that arms were allegedly discovered at his residence, an allegation his camp has strongly denied.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Mohammed Doka, Malami’s media aide, dismissed the reports of arms discovery as false, unsubstantiated, and unsupported by any official record. He said neither Malami’s family nor his lawyers had received any formal communication from the DSS regarding such claims.
According to Doka, the continued detention of the former minister without access to his family and lawyers raises serious concerns about his rights and personal safety. He said the situation contradicts constitutional provisions that guarantee access to legal counsel and family contact.
“We categorically reject claims that any cache of arms or ammunition was discovered in any residence linked to Abubakar Malami, SAN,” the statement reads.
“These claims are false, unsubstantiated, and unsupported by any official record, judicial document or lawful disclosure. No such discovery has been formally communicated to his family or legal representatives.”
“We also firmly deny allegations or insinuations linking Abubakar Malami, SAN, to terrorism, terrorism financing or related activities.”
“Such claims have been advanced without naming a single individual, organisation, transaction, date or piece of verifiable evidence, rendering them speculative and irresponsible.”
“Since his arrest on Monday by the DSS, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has been denied access to his family, legal team and associates.”
“This prolonged isolation raises legitimate concerns regarding his safety, welfare and constitutionally guaranteed rights, including access to legal counsel and family contact.”
“We further express concern over the undue hardship and emotional strain placed on his family and staff as a result of sensational reporting and unverified narratives.”
“It is important to note that Abubakar Malami, SAN, is a prominent chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and has publicly declared his intention to contest the Kebbi State governorship election in 2027.”
“Against this background, the political undertones now surrounding this matter cannot be ignored. Legal processes must remain insulated from political considerations.”
DSS is yet to officially respond to the claims. The development has continued to generate public debate, especially given Malami’s former role as the nation’s chief law officer and his growing political profile ahead of the 2027 general elections.
