DSS Rearrests Malami’s Son Outside Kuje Prison Amid Money Laundering Trial
Security at Kuje Correctional Centre reached a fever pitch in early January as over 50 DSS operatives were deployed to prevent the escape of former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami. The high-level surveillance follows a Federal High Court decision granting Malami bail in a massive ₦8.7 billion money laundering case. Intelligence sources suggest the tight cordons are necessary to ensure Malami remains available for further investigations into alleged terrorism-related activities.
On Friday, the situation escalated when DSS operatives intercepted and rearrested Malami’s son, Abdulaziz, moments after his release from the facility. Although court bailiffs arrived with fully processed bail documents, the transition was marred by irregular requests from the former minister regarding his son’s exit. Officials had been monitoring the premises closely due to reports of attempts to bypass standard release formalities.
The arrest occurred after Malami reportedly requested that his son be moved out of the prison quietly to avoid public attention. Security forces reacted by profiling every vehicle leaving the correctional centre to ensure no unauthorized movements took place. Abdulaziz was apprehended immediately after being handed over to those facilitating his departure from the prison gates.
A source familiar with the incident explained, “This happened on Friday; the son was taken from bailiffs from the Federal High Court who brought fully processed bail papers but Malami refused to leave, urging that they sneak his son out. But the DSS profiled every car leaving and rearrested his son.” This move highlights the deep suspicion held by the intelligence community regarding the family’s conduct.
Prior to these events, the EFCC arraigned Malami, his son Abdulaziz, and his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, on a 16-count charge. They are accused of laundering ₦8.7 billion through various corporate entities and luxury property acquisitions across Abuja and Kano. The prosecution alleges that public funds were funneled into assets such as Meethaq Hotels and several multi-million naira duplexes.
The EFCC’s evidence includes testimonies from investigators and bankers who tracked “monumental corruption” linked to Malami’s tenure in office. Despite the detailed allegations of using fronts to conceal the origin of billions of naira, all three defendants have pleaded not guilty. The legal battle has now moved into a full trial phase while the defendants remain under heavy guard.
The drama at Kuje follows a medical emergency in late December when Abdulaziz was rushed to the prison clinic after falling ill. With the DSS now blocking perceived “irregular efforts” to manage the family’s release, the focus remains on the upcoming court proceedings. The government appears determined to maintain strict custody as the high-stakes financial crime investigation unfolds.
