By Chiagoziem Abosi
Edited by Ezennia Uche
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) re-arrested former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, SAN shortly after he left Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja on Monday.
Malami, who had just met the bail conditions set by a Federal High Court including ₦500 million bail each for him, his wife Asabe Bashir Malami, and their son Abdulaziz walked out of the prison grounds after paperwork was finalized. But moments later, DSS operatives, believed to be waiting nearby, took him back into custody.
A video circulating on social media shows Malami approaching what appeared to be a DSS vehicle and asking the operatives to show identification before he stepped in.
According to sources, the re-arrest is linked to several petitions against Malami alleging terrorism financing, which is being investigated separately under DSS jurisdiction.
Malami and his family were earlier arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 16-count money-laundering charge involving about ₦8.7 billion, which they have pleaded not guilty to. The bail conditions also included surrendering travel documents, providing sureties with landed property, and other restrictive directives.
While legal experts say that re-arrest by a security agency after bail is unusual, sources say inter-agency cooperation is part of ongoing investigations, where one agency may take custody from another if fresh offences or credible petitions emerge.
What the public is saying:
Reactions have been swift online and across media platforms. Some Nigerians argue that no one should be “above the law,” insisting that serious allegations, especially terrorism financing deserve full investigation. Others worry about procedural fairness and due process in high-profile cases.
What happens next:
Malami’s legal team is expected to challenge the re-arrest while continuing to defend his bail rights in court. Observers say the case could take weeks or months to resolve, as investigations unfold and court processes continue.
👉🏾 What’s your take, should anyone be re-arrested after legally meeting bail conditions? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s talk.
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