The immediate past Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mallam Abubakar Malami (SAN), is facing a fresh investigation by the Department of State Services following the discovery of arms and ammunition at his residence in Kebbi State.
Sources told The Nation that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission uncovered the weapons during a search of Malami’s country home in Birnin Kebbi. The items were subsequently handed over to the DSS for further investigation, as arms-related offences fall outside the EFCC’s statutory mandate.
Although the exact quantity of the arms and ammunition has not been disclosed, officials said the volume was significant enough to warrant a full-scale security probe by the DSS. Investigators are expected to determine the source and legality of the weapons.
Malami, who was granted bail last week alongside his sons, Abdulaziz and Abiru-Rahman, remains in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre after failing to meet his bail conditions. Sources suggested that his continued detention may be linked to efforts to avoid immediate interrogation by security operatives over the alleged arms discovery.
A security source said, “The former minister is being separately investigated for allegedly keeping arms in his Birnin Kebbi residence. The inventory of what was found has been transferred to the DSS, and he will be required to explain how he came into possession of them.”
Another official disclosed that DSS operatives had been deployed to the Kuje facility to formally invite Malami for questioning, adding that “the law must take its course” regardless of his status.
An EFCC source also dismissed claims circulating on social media that Malami had been released, describing them as false. “By our records, the ex-Attorney-General is still in custody. Reports of his arrival in Kebbi State are untrue,” the source said.
The development comes amid ongoing investigations into Malami’s activities while in office. Last week, a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 assets valued at over ₦213bn, allegedly linked to Malami and his sons, pending proof that the properties were lawfully acquired.
