Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have rearrested Abdulaziz, son of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja following an alleged attempt to remove him from custody without standard procedures.
The incident occurred on Friday when court bailiffs from the Federal High Court arrived at the facility with fully processed bail documents to secure Abdulaziz’s release. However, sources at the correctional centre said Malami reportedly declined to allow his son to leave through the usual formal process, allegedly insisting that he be taken out quietly.
Security officials had earlier placed the prison under heightened surveillance following intelligence reports suggesting attempts to facilitate Abdulaziz’s release without public notice. As part of the operation, DSS operatives reportedly monitored and profiled all vehicles exiting the facility.
According to sources, Abdulaziz was intercepted and rearrested shortly after he was handed over to individuals facilitating his release. A source familiar with the incident said the DSS acted based on concerns over what security agencies described as irregular efforts surrounding the release process.
“This happened on Friday. The bailiffs brought fully processed bail papers, but Malami refused to leave, urging that his son be sneaked out. The DSS monitored every vehicle leaving the facility and rearrested his son,” the source said.
The development comes amid ongoing legal proceedings against Malami, his son Abdulaziz, and his fourth wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, who are standing trial before the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned them on a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy and money laundering involving ₦8.71 billion.
The EFCC alleges that the former attorney-general used fronts and corporate entities to launder public funds while in office. All three defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the matter has been adjourned for trial.
Earlier in January, SaharaReporters reported that Kuje Correctional Centre was placed under tight security, with more than 50 DSS operatives deployed around the facility following concerns that Malami, who had been granted bail, could evade ongoing investigations, including allegations related to terrorism financing.
