Kuje Exit to DSS Custody: Malami Re-Arrested Moments After Prison Release

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), was on Monday taken into the custody of security operatives moments after regaining his freedom from the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.

Malami was reportedly escorted away by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) immediately after his release from the facility. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) later clarified that it was not responsible for the fresh development.

Officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service confirmed that Malami was freed after fully meeting the bail conditions earlier set by the court.

“He was released after perfecting his bail conditions this afternoon,” a correctional official said. Another source added that Malami left the facility in a vehicle belonging to the DSS.

A video that circulated shortly after the incident showed the former justice minister being guided toward a black vehicle outside the correctional centre. In the footage, Malami was heard asking security personnel to identify their leader and requesting to see their identification cards.

Attempts to reach the Deputy Director of Public Relations of the DSS, Favour Dozie, for clarification were unsuccessful, as calls went unanswered.

Meanwhile, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale reiterated that the anti-graft agency had no involvement in Malami’s post-release movement.

“We did not re-arrest him after his release,” Oyewale said.

Malami’s release followed a bail ruling delivered on January 7 by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The court granted bail to Malami, his wife Asabe, and their son in the sum of ₦500 million each, with stringent conditions attached.

Each defendant was required to present two sureties owning verifiable landed property in Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarimpa, deposit the relevant title documents with the court, and submit sworn affidavits of means. They were also ordered to surrender their international passports and were barred from travelling outside the country without prior court approval.

Malami, his wife, and son had earlier been remanded at the Kuje facility following their arraignment by the EFCC on December 29, 2025, on a 16-count charge bordering on money laundering involving approximately ₦8.7 billion.

According to the EFCC, the defendants allegedly used multiple corporate entities, bank accounts, and high-value real estate transactions to conceal proceeds suspected to be from unlawful activities.

Court filings in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025 allege that Malami and his son utilised Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to launder over ₦1.01 billion between July 2022 and June 2025. The commission also claimed that about ₦600 million passed through a Sterling Bank account linked to the firm between September 2020 and February 2021.

Additionally, the anti-graft agency alleged that the trio disguised the source of ₦500 million used to acquire a luxury duplex on Amazon Street in Maitama, Abuja.

Malami had remained in EFCC custody from December 8, 2025, after failing to satisfy earlier bail requirements. On December 18, a Federal Capital Territory High Court presided over by Justice Babangida Hassan ruled that his continued detention at the time was lawful.