Malami’s Son Rearrested at Kuje Moments After Bail Release, Security Sources Say
Abuja, Nigeria — Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have rearrested Abdulaziz Malami, son of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, just moments after he was technically freed on bail, multiple security sources confirmed early Monday.
The dramatic turn of events unfolded on Friday, January 16, when court bailiffs from the Federal High Court arrived at Kuje with fully processed bail documents intended to secure Abdulaziz’s release. Despite completion of the necessary paperwork, security operatives rapidly intervened and took him back into custody shortly after he had been handed over to those facilitating his exit.
According to sources close to the matter, the rearrest occurred amid heightened security monitoring at the correctional facility. Officials were said to be tracking movements in and out of the prison based on intelligence reports that raised concerns about irregularities surrounding the release process. Abdulaziz was intercepted before he could leave the facility, and taken back into detention by DSS personnel.
Eyewitnesses at the facility said the suspect was briefly under the authority of court bailiffs with fully processed documentation — a development that briefly suggested he would be freed — before the swift intervention by security agents thwarted the release.
Abdulaziz, his father Abubakar Malami, and the former AGF’s wife Asabe Bashir are standing trial before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja on a 16-count charge of conspiracy, money laundering, and related offences involving approximately ₦8.7 billion, according to court filings.
Earlier this month, the court granted bail to each defendant — including Abdulaziz — in the sum of ₦500 million with two sureties in like sum. The trial has been adjourned with a fresh hearing date set for February 17, 2026, but Abdulaziz remains in custody pending further court processes.
In a parallel move, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently secured an interim forfeiture order on 57 landed properties valued at over ₦213 billion, reportedly linked to the Malami family. These assets span several states, including Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna, and comprise university buildings, hotels, factories, pharmacies, schools, filling stations and other commercial holdings.
Observers say the rearrest has intensified scrutiny around the high-profile case, which has drawn widespread public attention and debate over procedural fairness, bail conditions, and security agency involvement
As of Monday morning, neither the DSS nor representatives of the Malami family have issued an official statement regarding the circumstances of the rearrest. Legal analysts say further details may emerge when the matter returns to court.
The case remains one of the most closely watched legal proceedings in Nigeria, involving a former top government official and questions about high-level corruption and enforcement of bail terms.
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