Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mallam Abubakar Malami (SAN), is facing a new round of investigation following the alleged discovery of arms and ammunition in his residence.
A report by The Nation on Monday said operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission uncovered the weapons during a search of Malami’s country home in Kebbi State. The anti-graft agency was said to have transferred the arms to the Department of State Services, explaining that it does not have the constitutional authority to investigate matters relating to the possession of firearms.
Although the exact quantity of the arms and ammunition could not be independently verified, sources disclosed that the cache was large enough to warrant a comprehensive investigation by the DSS.
The development comes as Malami battles an ongoing fraud case before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Last week, Justice Emeka Nwite granted Malami, his wife Asabe Bashir, and their son Abdulaziz bail in the sum of N500 million each, with two sureties. Despite the ruling, Malami remains in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre after failing to meet the bail conditions.
Sources claimed the delay in perfecting his bail may be linked to the separate DSS investigation into the arms allegedly found in his Birnin Kebbi residence.
“The former minister is being investigated separately over arms found in his house. The inventory of the discovery has been handed over to the DSS, and it is left for Malami to explain how he came about the weapons,” a source said.
Another source alleged that DSS operatives are within the Kuje Correctional Centre to invite Malami for questioning, suggesting he may be deliberately delaying his release to avoid immediate arrest.
An EFCC source also dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming Malami had returned to Kebbi State, insisting he remains in custody.
“By our records, the former AGF is still in custody. The reports and videos online about his alleged arrival in Kebbi are false,” the source said.
The source further disclosed that investigations into Malami’s activities date back to 2019 and have continued across successive leaderships of the EFCC.
“There is nothing personal or vindictive about the case. It started under former acting EFCC chairman Ibrahim Magu and has continued through subsequent administrations to the current leadership. It is an inherited investigation, and Malami is aware of this,” the source added.
Investigations into both the alleged arms discovery and the ongoing fraud case are continuing.
