By Adekunle Oluwafunmilayo
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have reportedly arrested Abubakar Malami (SAN), a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, in Abuja on Monday, January 19.
Sources disclosed that Malami was taken into custody shortly after he was released from the Kuje Correctional Centre, having fulfilled his bail conditions. The arrest reportedly took place directly in front of the correctional facility.
A video that has since gone viral on social media shows the former justice minister entering a vehicle believed to belong to the DSS moments after leaving Kuje Prison. In the footage, Malami was seen asking the operatives to identify themselves and present their official identity cards before he entered the van.
It was gathered that the DSS moved in on the former minister as part of a fresh investigation allegedly being carried out by the secret police. Details of the new probe have not been officially disclosed.
According to sources familiar with the matter, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had earlier discovered arms at Malami’s country home in Kebbi State during a search. The discovery is said to be part of ongoing investigations involving the former Attorney-General.
Malami had, prior to his release, reportedly raised concerns over an alleged plan by the DSS to re-arrest him upon leaving Kuje Prison.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the DSS nor Malami’s legal team had issued an official statement confirming the arrest or providing clarification on the allegations.
