Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday re-arrested a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, in Abuja.
Malami was reportedly picked up in front of the Kuje Correctional Centre shortly after visiting the facility. A video circulating on social media shows the former AGF walking toward a vehicle believed to belong to the DSS moments after leaving the prison premises. Before entering the vehicle, Malami was seen asking the operatives to identify themselves by presenting their official identity cards.
A security source who confirmed the arrest said the action followed several petitions against Malami bordering on alleged terrorism financing.
“Yes, it is true that DSS operatives arrested Abubakar Malami, SAN. There are several petitions against him bordering on alleged terrorism financing,” the source disclosed.
The source noted that terrorism and terrorism financing are serious offences globally, adding that Malami himself, while serving as Attorney-General, had previously stated that the government would not shield anyone linked to such crimes.
“No responsible government will fold its arms or turn a blind eye to serious allegations of terrorism financing against any individual, no matter how highly placed,” the source said.
Explaining the circumstances surrounding the arrest, the source added that inter-agency cooperation is a standard practice in security investigations.
“In the course of investigations, inter-agency cooperation is normal. One security agency may hand over a suspect to another. In Nigeria, the DSS is statutorily responsible for investigating terrorism-related matters, and it is best to allow them to carry out their duties,” the source stated.
