DSS Seeks Court Order to Keep Ex-AGF Malami in Detention Over Terror Financing

The Department of State Services (DSS) has approached a court to obtain a formal order to keep the former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), in its custody.

This legal move is part of an ongoing investigation into serious allegations involving the financing of terrorism and other national security concerns.

Following his arrest earlier this week, the secret police are seeking a remand warrant to hold the former minister beyond the constitutionally permitted timeframe.

They argue that the nature of the case is deeply complex and requires an extended period for a thorough forensic probe.

Malami, who served as the nation’s chief law officer for eight years under the Buhari administration, is currently being grilled over a controversial list of terror financiers.

This list, which was originally made public by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2021, contains names of individuals allegedly funding Boko Haram.

Investigators are looking into how Malami handled this intelligence and why no major prosecutions followed the disclosure during his time in office.

Moreover, intelligence sources have indicated that the probe is not limited to financial trails. The DSS is also questioning the Senior Advocate regarding a cache of weapons reportedly discovered at his private residence in Kebbi State.

These arms were allegedly found during a previous search conducted by another anti-graft agency before being handed over to the DSS for a specialized investigation.

A security source familiar with the development stated that “The investigation is likely going to take a long time. This is why we are working to get a court order on Wednesday (today) to detain him further.”

The official further noted that “There are several issues he is being questioned on. One of them is the handling of the terrorism financiers list released by the UAE in 2021 and some terror financiers during his term as the AGF. So, this investigation will take a very long time. I am not sure he will be released anytime soon.”

During his tenure, Malami often promised that the government would not protect anyone involved in criminal activities.

Ironically, he is now defending himself against the very charges he once vowed to prosecute.

Recall that POLITICS NIGERIA recently reported on the Federal High Court’s decision to order the interim forfeiture of 57 properties linked to the former Attorney General.

These assets, valued at over N213 billion, were allegedly acquired through suspicious means during his eight-year stay in office.