DSS Seeks Court Order To Detain Malami During Investigation
The move unfolded in Abuja as the Department of State Services sought a court order to keep former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, in custody while investigations linked to terrorism financing continue.
The secret police are pushing for a remand order that would allow Malami to be detained beyond the initial holding period, citing the wide scope and sensitivity of the probe.
Investigators believe the case cannot be wrapped up quickly due to multiple issues under review.
Malami, who served as Nigeria’s chief law officer from 2015 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, is being questioned over his handling of a terrorism financiers list released by the United Arab Emirates in 2021, alongside other security-related matters during his time in office.
The UAE list named six Nigerians accused of supporting Boko Haram, a disclosure that stirred public concern at the time over how such suspects operated freely and whether Nigerian authorities acted on the intelligence provided.
The absence of visible prosecutions afterwards drew sharp reactions across the country.
Beyond the foreign report, Malami is also facing questions over petitions accusing him of terrorism financing and an alleged arms cache linked to him in Kebbi State.
His detention follows days of tension surrounding his stalled bail and heavy security presence at the Kuje Correctional Facility, where he eventually handed himself over to DSS operatives.
