DSS Rearrests  Malami’s Son Shortly After Bail Release

By Tgnews Reporter

In a dramatic twist to an ongoing high-profile case, 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 (SAN), at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.

The incident occurred on Friday, January 16, 2026, moments after court bailiffs from the Federal High Court arrived at the facility with fully processed bail documents, authorizing Abdulaziz’s release. Sources familiar with the matter described the rearrest as stemming from a renewed security intervention, amid allegations of attempts to circumvent standard release procedures.

According to eyewitness accounts and security insiders, Abdulaziz was initially handed over to those facilitating his exit following the completion of bail formalities. However, he was immediately intercepted and taken back into custody by DSS operatives.

A source privy to the development reportedly stated: “He was released to the court bailiffs with fully processed bail papers but was immediately rearrested by security agents.

This happened on Friday; the son was taken from bailiffs… but Malami refused to leave, urging that they sneak his son out. But the DSS profiled every car leaving and rearrested his son.”

The rearrest appears linked to the former AGF’s own reluctance to exit the facility despite bail being granted, reportedly due to fears of further security actions.

Abubakar Malami, his wife Asabe Bashir, and son Abdulaziz are currently facing a 16-count charge of money laundering, conspiracy, and related offences involving approximately ₦8.7 billion before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured the charges, alleging the diversion of public funds during Malami’s tenure, with some proceeds allegedly laundered through family members and used to acquire properties.

On January 7, 2026, the court granted bail to each defendant in the sum of ₦500 million (with two sureties in like sum), alongside strict conditions such as surrendering travel documents. The trial is scheduled to commence on February 17, 2026.

Adding to the family’s legal woes, the EFCC recently obtained an interim forfeiture order on 57 landed properties valued at over ₦213 billion, linked to Malami, his sons (including Abdulaziz and Abiru-Rahman), and his wife.

These assets span Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna states, including university buildings, hotels, factories, pharmacies, schools, filling stations, and other commercial structures.

The latest development has sparked widespread reactions on social media and among observers, with many questioning the circumstances surrounding the attempted “quiet” release and the DSS’s swift intervention.

No official statement has been issued by the DSS or the Malami family as of this report. The situation remains fluid, with Abdulaziz now back in custody at Kuje Correctional Centre.

This story is developing, and further updates will follow as more details emerge.