Abubakar Malami (SAN), former Attorney General of the Federation, has reportedly slowed the processing of his bail following the deployment of over 50 Department of State Services (DSS) operatives to Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in Abuja, SaharaReporters has learned.

Sources described an intense atmosphere at the prison as the DSS arrived in a convoy of approximately six Toyota Hilux vans, establishing a perimeter around the facility and monitoring all entries and exits. The deployment is believed to be a preemptive measure to ensure Malami does not evade investigation into alleged terrorism financing upon his release.

“Malami has instructed his legal team to step down the bail process as DSS officers lay siege to the prison waiting to re-arrest him,” a security source said.

VIP Segregation Cell

Malami remains in the prison’s VIP segregation cell, a section refurbished by former police intelligence chief Abba Kyari, which previously housed other high-profile detainees, including Prince Emmanuel Kanu, brother of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.

Also at Kuje Prison are Malami’s son, Abubakar Abdulaziz, and his fourth wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe. Abdulaziz is reportedly being treated in the prison clinic after falling ill shortly after arrival.

Bail Details

The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, had granted bail to Malami, Asabe, and Abdulaziz on Wednesday in the sum of ₦500 million each, with two sureties who must own landed property in highbrow Abuja districts, including Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarinpa. The court also ordered verification of property documents and affidavits of means, and Malami was barred from leaving the country without prior court permission.

The defendants face a 16-count charge of conspiracy and money laundering totaling ₦8.7 billion, contrary to the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Alleged Terrorism Financing Investigation

While Malami has not been formally charged with terrorism financing, sources say security agencies are investigating alleged links to terrorist financial flows, including recovered Abacha loot. Retired Army General Danjuma Ali-Keffi, who led counter-terrorism task force Operation Service Wide (OSW), revealed that investigations exposed networks allegedly involving senior military officers, top financial officials, and government figures, with Malami reportedly interfering in the process.

Ali-Keffi clarified he was not accusing Malami of terrorism financing but alleged that his actions undermined the investigation, leading to reprisals including unlawful detention and forced retirement.