Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), was reportedly taken into custody by operatives of the Department of State Services shortly after his release from Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, yesterday.

Officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service confirmed that Malami had been released after meeting his bail conditions, while the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission clarified that it had not re-arrested him. Footage obtained by reporters showed Malami being led to a black vehicle after leaving the facility, during which he asked security operatives to show their identification.

Malami, his wife, and his son had been granted bail on January 7 by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, following their December 29, 2025, arraignment by the EFCC on 16 counts of alleged money laundering involving about N8.7 billion.

Court documents allege that the defendants used multiple corporate entities, bank accounts, and real estate transactions to conceal proceeds of unlawful activities, including funds passed through Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited and Sterling Bank accounts. The bail conditions required the trio to provide two sureties with verifiable property, surrender international passports, and refrain from traveling abroad without court approval.