Malami Delays Bail Processing Amid Heavy DSS Presence at Kuje Prison

Malami Delays Bail Processing Amid Heavy DSS Presence at Kuje Prison
Security operatives were allegedly positioned to rearrest him upon release.
He faces money laundering charges while terrorism financing investigation continues.

The immediate past Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, has reportedly delayed the processing of his bail following a heavy security deployment at the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in Abuja.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the development comes amid concerns that operatives of the Department of State Services are allegedly preparing to rearrest Malami upon his release over an ongoing investigation linked to terrorism financing.

Sources disclosed that the custodial centre was placed on heightened security on Wednesday, January 5, 2026, as more than 50 DSS operatives were deployed to the facility. The operatives reportedly arrived in a convoy of six Toyota Hilux vehicles and positioned themselves around the prison gates, closely monitoring all movements in and out of the centre.

The security operation is believed to be a preventive measure to forestall any attempt by Malami to leave custody, despite having been granted bail in his ₦8.7 billion money laundering case by the Federal High Court in Abuja on January 3, 2026.

According to sources, Malami has directed his legal team to slow down the bail process due to fears that DSS operatives may arrest him immediately upon release.

A senior security source said, “Malami has slowed down his bail processing as DSS operatives besiege Kuje Prison to arrest him for terrorism related charges upon being released on bail.”

Malami is currently being held in the VIP segregation cell at the facility, a section reserved for high profile detainees. The cell was previously refurbished by former police intelligence chief, Abba Kyari. His son, Abubakar Abdulaziz, who was also remanded at the custodial centre, is reportedly receiving treatment at the prison clinic after falling ill shortly after his arrival.

Malami, his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and their son were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on December 30, 2025. They are facing 16 counts bordering on conspiracy, laundering of proceeds of unlawful activities, and related offences under the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022. The charges involve the alleged laundering of over ₦8.7 billion.

Although there are currently no formal terrorism financing charges filed against Malami, sources said investigations are ongoing into his alleged links to recovered Abacha loot from Switzerland and the Island of Jersey in the United Kingdom.

The Federal High Court granted bail to Malami and the other defendants in the sum of ₦500 million each. The bail conditions include the provision of two sureties who own properties in highbrow areas of Abuja, verification and submission of their travel documents, and restrictions preventing Malami from leaving the country without prior court approval.