Operatives of the Department of States Services (DSS) have arrested Abubakar Malami, former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice.

Malami was arrested at the front of Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja on Monday. A viral video shows the former AGF entering a vehicle apparently belonging to the DSS shortly after leaving Kuje prison.

Before he entered the van, Malami asked the DSS officials to present their identity cards. It was gathered that DSS officials took the former minister shortly after he left Kuje Prison, following the completion of his bail conditions, as he is facing a fresh probe by the secret police.

Sources said arms were discovered at his Kebbi country home by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) during a search. The former AGF had recently alleged a plot by the DSS to re-arrest him from Kuje Prison.

On January 7, a federal high court in Abuja granted bail to Malami, who is standing trial, alongside his son and wife. The judge, Emeka Nwite, also granted bail of N500 million each to his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and his wife, Bashir Asabe. Each of the defendants were required to produce two sureties in like sum who must own landed property within Asokoro, Maitama or Gwarimpa.

EFCC had arraigned Malami, his son and wife, over allegations bordering on money laundering to the tune of N8,713, 923, 759.49.In the 16-count charge, the anti-graft agency alleged that the defendants conspired to launder proceeds of unlawful activity between 2015 and 2025, using bank accounts and corporate entities to conceal the source and ownership of the fund worth over N8.1 billion. They all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Subsequently, the court ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties worth N213 billion suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities allegedly linked to Malami.Recently, Malami’s office released a statement alleging that DSS operatives had mounted surveillance at the Kuje prison to arrest the former AGF.Mohammed Doka, media aide to Malami, alleged that the plan was to re-arrest the former AGF after leaving Kuje prison.