…To Face Fresh Terrorism Financing, Illegal Arms Possession Charges
By Jeremy Fregene
Abubakar Malami, former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, is facing fresh legal trouble after operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) took him into custody on January 19, 2026, shortly after his release from the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.
Malami’s arrest by the DSS came barely hours after he perfected his bail conditions in an ongoing case instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), deepening his legal woes and raising the stakes in the multiple investigations hanging over him.
The latest arrest is reportedly connected to allegations of terrorism financing and the discovery of arms and ammunition at Malami’s country home in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State. The weapons were allegedly uncovered by the EFCC during a search of his residence conducted as part of its investigation into alleged financial crimes.
However, as the illegal possession of firearms falls outside the EFCC’s statutory mandate, the anti-graft agency reportedly transferred that aspect of the case to the DSS for further investigation, paving the way for Malami’s rearrest.
The former justice minister is already standing trial on a 16-count charge filed by the EFCC, bordering on alleged money laundering involving sums in excess of N8 billion. The charges also list his wife, Asabe Bashir, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, as co-defendants.
According to the EFCC, Malami and his family allegedly used a network of companies, properties and Bureau De Change operators to conceal the source of funds and facilitate the acquisition of high-value properties across several states.
While allegations of terrorism financing are not yet part of the formal EFCC charges, security sources say they form the core of the DSS investigation. Malami has denied any links to terrorism financing.
Malami’s legal troubles date back to the commencement of EFCC investigations into his activities while he served as Attorney General, with the probe focusing on alleged corruption and money laundering during his tenure.
Although he was granted bail in the EFCC case, his release from custody was reportedly delayed amid concerns that he could be immediately rearrested by the DSS. Those concerns materialised on Monday when DSS operatives took him into custody shortly after he completed his bail conditions.
As investigations by both the EFCC and DSS continue, Malami now faces mounting legal and security challenges that could further complicate his political and personal future.