Malami’s Kuje Cell Raided as Security Agencies Tighten Probe

Malami’s Kuje Cell Raided as Security Agencies Tighten Probe
DSS intensifies probe over alleged arms discovery in Kebbi
Court orders interim forfeiture of 57 assets linked to Malami

Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), was on Tuesday subjected to a raid at his VIP segregation cell inside the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre, Abuja.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that sources within the facility told Sahara Reporters that the operation was carried out by a senior officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service, identified as the Assistant Controller General of Corrections in charge of Operations.

“Malami was raided in his apartment today by a senior correctional service officer, the ACG Operations. And likewise, his son,” one of the sources disclosed.

An eyewitness said the senior officer briefly entered the custodial centre, conducted searches on Malami’s cell and that of his son, Abdulaziz, before leaving the facility. The purpose of the raid and any items recovered were not disclosed as of the time of reporting.

The development comes amid reports that Malami has yet to perfect the bail conditions granted to him by the court, even as security agencies intensify investigations surrounding the former minister.

It was earlier reported that Malami is under a separate probe by the Department of State Services following the alleged discovery of arms and ammunition at his residence in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.

Sources said operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission uncovered the weapons during a search of the property. However, as illegal arms possession falls outside the commission’s mandate, the recovered items were reportedly handed over to the DSS for further investigation.

Although the exact quantity of the arms could not be independently confirmed, security sources described the recovery as significant enough to trigger a full scale security probe.

Malami was granted bail last week alongside his son, Abdulaziz, and his wife, Asabe Bashir, but remains in custody at Kuje after failing to meet the bail conditions.

Security sources had alleged that the former minister deliberately slowed down the bail process to avoid immediate re arrest by the DSS.

“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,” a top security source said.

Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Abuja last week ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 assets allegedly linked to Malami and his two sons. The assets, valued at about ₦213.23bn, are spread across Abuja, Kano, Kaduna and Kebbi states.