Former Nigerian Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, detained by the EFCC since December 2025, has accused security agencies of plotting his rearrest immediately after release, defying a court bail order. His team reports DSS surveillance at Kuje prison, following weeks of delays in implementing bail from the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
Abubakar Malami, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, was initially detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in December 2025 over alleged financial crimes. On January 7, 2026, his media aide, Mohammed Bello Doka, issued a statement warning of an imminent rearrest by security operatives, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS). Malami's team claims DSS agents are surveilling Kuje Correctional Service to detain him as soon as he is released, in violation of a bail order granted weeks earlier by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court.
The EFCC had refused to honor the bail, which Malami's camp describes as obstruction of justice. Legal sources indicate preparations for arrest on new, allegedly fabricated charges. The statement condemned this as an assault on constitutional rights and abuse of power.
Concerns were raised for Malami's safety, his family, and staff, with authorities held accountable for any harm. His team reaffirmed commitment to legal processes and called on authorities, lawyers, civil society, and international observers to ensure compliance with court orders.
In parallel developments, the EFCC obtained interim forfeiture of 57 properties linked to Malami, worth N213 billion. On the same day, a court granted N1.5 billion bail to Malami, his wife, and son in a separate N9 billion fraud case, though implementation remains uncertain amid rearrest fears.
