Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have rearrested Abdulaziz Malami, son of former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, at Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, following his father’s insistence on moving him out of prison without following formal bail procedures.

The incident occurred on Friday when court bailiffs from the Federal High Court arrived with fully processed bail documents. Sources say Malami attempted to have his son quietly escorted out, bypassing standard protocols. DSS operatives, who had placed the prison under heightened surveillance due to intelligence reports about irregular release attempts, intercepted Abdulaziz and rearrested him shortly after he was handed over to those facilitating his exit.

A source familiar with the matter said the move reflects concerns within the intelligence community over the former AGF’s efforts to manage his son’s release privately.

Abdulaziz, along with Malami and his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, faces a 16-count charge of conspiracy, money laundering, and procurement of unlawful proceeds totaling approximately ₦8.7 billion. According to EFCC filings, Malami allegedly used corporate fronts and properties to launder public funds, including transactions exceeding ₦1 billion through Metropolitan Auto Tech Ltd and high-value real estate acquisitions in Abuja, Kano, and Birnin Kebbi.

Despite the serious charges, Malami, Asabe, and Abdulaziz pleaded not guilty, prompting full trial proceedings. In early January, the prison was placed under tight DSS security, with over 50 operatives deployed to prevent potential escape or interference in the ongoing investigations.