Abubakar Malami
By Victory Oghene
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, seems to be literally swimming in troubled waters as he was has arrested and detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) shortly after perfecting his bail
Malami was arrested shortly after his release from the Kuje Correctional Centre Abuja.
The DSS arrest of Malami is believed to be linked to allegations of terrorism financing and the discovery of arms and ammunition at his country home in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital.
This comes after the former AGF completed his bail conditions in connection with an ongoing case brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The EFCC had during its search of the residence of Malami in Birnin Kebbi, allegedly uncovered arms as part of their financial crime probe, and since the illegal possession of firearms falls outside the EFCC’s mandate, the anti-graft agency handed over the matter to the DSS for a more detail investigation.
Malami is facing a 16-count charge of alleged money laundering involving over N8 billion filed against him by the EFCC.
The charges allegedly implicated him, his wife Asabe Bashir, and son Abdulaziz Malami in the use of companies to acquire numerous properties across states.
Malami, his wife, and son as defendants are being accused by the EFCC of using properties and Bureau De Change operators to disguise payments for high-end properties in various locations.
Although, the terrorism financing allegation was not part of the charges against Malami by the EFCC, however, allegations of terrorism financing were levelled against him, but for which he denied.
It was gathered that Malami’s troubles commenced when the EFCC began probing his activities while he was still serving as Attorney General, focusing on alleged corruption and money laundering.
Despite being granted bail, Malami’s release was stalled due to concerns over potential rearrest by the DSS and was eventually taken into custody by the secret police shortly after meeting his bail conditions set by the court.
