Moments after regaining his freedom from the Kuje Correctional Centre on Monday, former Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami (SAN) was again arrested and taken back into custody.
Although prison officials confirmed that Malami was released after fulfilling his bail requirements, he was immediately intercepted by DSS operatives.
To avoid confusion, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) issued a statement confirming they were not responsible for the re-arrest.
“He has been released. He perfected his bail conditions and was released this afternoon,” one official said.
Another official added: “He joined the DSS in their vehicle after his release.”
Persecondnews reports that a viral video captured the moment Malami was intercepted after leaving the correctional facility.
In the footage, he is seen being led toward a black vehicle, where he reportedly questioned the operatives, asking, “Who is the leader among you? Can I see your ID card?”
Efforts to reach DSS Deputy Director of Public Relations, Favour Dozie, proved unsuccessful as calls went unanswered.
Meanwhile, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale clarified the commission’s position, stating, “We didn’t pick him up after he was released.”
Malami’s brief freedom followed a January 7 bail ruling by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The court set bail at N500 million each for Malami, his wife, and his son, under stringent conditions.
To secure their release, the defendants had to provide two sureties with landed property in high-end Abuja districts, surrender their passports, and agree to a travel ban.
The family had been held at Kuje since their December 29, 2025, arraignment on 16 counts of money laundering totaling approximately N8.7 billion.
Prosecutors allege they laundered funds through various corporate entities and real estate deals.
Specifically, court documents (FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025) claim Malami and his son used Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to move over N1.6 billion through multiple bank accounts between 2020 and 2025.
The EFCC further alleged that the defendants laundered N500 million to acquire a luxury duplex on Amazon Street in Maitama.
Prior to his recent stint at Kuje, Malami had been in EFCC custody since December 8, 2025, after failing to fulfill previous bail requirements.
His detention during that period was ruled as lawful on December 18 by Justice Babangida Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
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