Security sources disclosed that the DSS is moving to secure a court order to keep the former minister in detention while investigations continue, noting that the probe could span several months due to its sensitive and complex nature.

Malami’s latest legal trouble began on Monday, shortly after he perfected his bail and was released from the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, where he had been held since early December over allegations brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Moments after stepping out of the facility, he was rearrested by DSS operatives.

Sources said the secret police intends to obtain judicial approval to detain him until all investigations are concluded.

Malami was initially arrested by the EFCC over allegations that he conspired with his wife, Asabe, and their son to conceal proceeds of unlawful activities estimated at about ₦8.7 billion. The anti-graft agency alleged that the transactions involved multiple companies, bank accounts and high-value real estate dealings in Abuja and other parts of the country.

The trio was arraigned on December 29, 2025, before a Federal High Court in Abuja on 16 counts bordering on conspiracy and money laundering, to which they pleaded not guilty.

Before the arraignment, Malami was unable to meet earlier bail conditions, resulting in his continued detention from December 8. On December 18, a Federal Capital Territory High Court upheld his detention as lawful. However, on January 7, the Federal High Court granted Malami, his wife and son bail in the sum of ₦500 million each, with strict conditions, including the provision of two sureties with verifiable landed property in Asokoro, Maitama or Gwarimpa, Abuja.

Twelve days later, after meeting the bail conditions, Malami was released—only to be taken into DSS custody shortly afterwards.

Investigators are reportedly questioning him over several issues, including his handling of Nigeria’s terrorism financing dossiers during his tenure as Attorney-General.

A source familiar with the probe said the investigation could take a long time, explaining that Malami is being grilled over matters relating to the terrorism financiers list released by the United Arab Emirates in 2021, as well as the handling of suspected terror financiers during his time in office.

In 2021, the UAE named six Nigerians as alleged financiers of Boko Haram, a move that sparked widespread controversy and raised questions about how suspected terror financiers operated within the country and the response of local authorities.

Ironically, Malami had repeatedly stated while in office that the government would not shield anyone linked to terrorism or its financing, regardless of status. Investigators are now said to be revisiting those statements in light of the current allegations.

Another security source disclosed that Malami is also being questioned over an arms cache allegedly discovered at his residence in Kebbi State, alongside multiple petitions bordering on terrorism and terrorism financing.

According to the source, allegations of terrorism financing are treated as grave offences globally, stressing that no responsible government would ignore such claims against any individual, irrespective of position or influence. The source added that inter-agency cooperation is standard practice in such cases, noting that the DSS is the primary agency responsible for investigating terrorism-related offences and should be allowed to carry out its duties.