Crime

Fresh Twist As DSS Reportedly Re-Arrests Ex-AGF Malami’s Son At Kuje Prison

Published

5 months ago

January 18, 2026

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have reportedly rearrested Abdulaziz, the son of a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, following a dramatic breakdown of arrangements for his release after bail was perfected.

It was reports that the rearrest, which reportedly occurred on Friday, came amid heightened security surveillance at the facility, as intelligence operatives moved swiftly to stop what they described as irregular efforts to remove the suspect from custody without following established procedures.

According to SaharaReporters, sources at the correctional centre revealed that court bailiffs from the Federal High Court arrived at Kuje with fully processed bail documents authorising Abdulaziz’s release.

However, the process was said to have stalled when Malami allegedly declined to leave the facility with his son through the normal route, insisting instead that Abdulaziz be quietly moved out of the prison without drawing public attention.

Security officials reportedly viewed the request as highly unusual, especially against the backdrop of ongoing investigations and the sensitive nature of the case involving the former attorney-general and his family.

“This happened on Friday; the son was taken from bailiffs from the Federal High Court who brought fully processed bail papers but Malami refused to leave, urging that they sneak his son out. But the DSS profiled every car leaving and rearrested his son,” a source privy to the development disclosed.

It was gathered that long before the bailiffs arrived, the DSS had placed the Kuje Correctional Centre under intense surveillance, following intelligence reports that attempts were being made to manage Abdulaziz’s release away from public view.

As part of the security operation, operatives stationed around the prison were said to have profiled all vehicles exiting the premises.

Abdulaziz was reportedly intercepted shortly after he was handed over for release and was immediately taken back into custody by the DSS, marking a fresh twist in the high-profile case.

A security source familiar with the operation said the action reflected growing unease within the intelligence community over what was described as “irregular efforts” surrounding the former minister’s approach to his son’s bail.

The latest development followed an earlier incident in late December when Abdulaziz was rushed to the prison clinic after suddenly falling ill.

SaharaReporters had reported that he was admitted for observation at the Kuje clinic on December 30.

A prison source was quoted as saying, “Malami’s son suddenly fell sick and was rushed to Kuje clinic to stay there for observation.”

Abdulaziz is facing trial alongside his father and Malami’s fourth wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, after they were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja.

The defendants are standing trial on a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, procuring, disguising, concealing and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities amounting to ₦8,713,923,759.49, contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

At the commencement of proceedings, the prosecuting counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, told the court that the arraignment was to enable the defendants take their pleas. Defence counsel, J.B. Daudu, SAN, did not object. All three defendants pleaded not guilty, paving the way for a full trial.

According to court documents, the EFCC alleged that Malami used fronts and corporate entities, including Metropolitan Auto Tech Ltd and Meethaq Hotels Ltd, to launder public funds while in office.

One of the charges claims that Malami and his son procured over ₦1,014,848,500 through Metropolitan Auto Tech Ltd between July 2022 and June 2025, allegedly to conceal the origin of funds deposited in a Sterling Bank account.

Another count alleges that Malami used ₦600,000,000 as collateral to secure a loan for Rayhaan Hotels Ltd, despite allegedly knowing that the money was of suspicious origin.

The anti-graft agency further accused the defendants of disguising payments for luxury properties through property companies and Bureau De Change operators.

These properties are said to be located in prime areas of Abuja and Kano, including Maitama, Jabi, Asokoro, Gwarimpa and parts of Kano and Birnin Kebbi.

Investigators alleged that the transactions involved high-end properties valued in hundreds of millions of naira, including luxury duplexes and hotels.

Two of the properties were listed in the charge sheet as Hamonia Hotels Ltd, Area 11, Garki, and Meethaq Hotels on Rhine Street in Maitama.

In documents tendered before the court as proof of evidence, the EFCC listed investigators, Bureau De Change operators and bankers among its witnesses.

The commission said its officials, including Folarin Dare, Chinedu Eneanya and Sani Lukeman, would testify on how petitions and intelligence reports triggered investigations into what it described as “monumental corruption” allegedly linked to the former minister.

One witness, Hassan Aliyu, was said to have told investigators that his company’s bank account was used for suspicious multi-million-naira transactions without his full knowledge.

Despite their insistence on innocence, security around the Kuje Correctional Centre has remained tight.

In early January, more than 50 DSS operatives were reportedly deployed to strategic positions in and around the facility.

Sources said the deployment was a preemptive move to ensure Malami does not evade ongoing investigations, especially amid concerns over alleged terrorism-related activities, following his bail in the ₦8.7bn money laundering case.

It was reports that the matter has been adjourned, as the trial of the former attorney-general, his wife, and son moves into full hearing, with the rearrest of Abdulaziz adding a fresh layer of intrigue to the already high-profile case.

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Post Views: 297

Crime

150 terrorists convicted in 48 hours, says AGF

Published

1 hour ago

June 17, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Federal Government has secured approximately 150 convictions within the first two days of its latest phase of mass terrorism trials, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), disclosed on Tuesday.

Fagbemi made the disclosure while speaking with journalists at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the trials are being conducted simultaneously before 10 judges of the court.

The AGF said the current phase, which commenced on Monday, had already recorded about 160 trials leading to roughly 150 convictions on its first day alone.

“Yesterday, we had about 160 trials. I think about 150 convictions,” Fagbemi told reporters.

He added that proceedings on Tuesday brought approximately 300 cases before the courts, with another 84 cases expected to be concluded before the close of the day.

“Whatever we can do, or wherever we stop today, we’ll continue tomorrow and also on Thursday. So it’s still ongoing,” the minister said.

Fagbemi appealed for patience from members of the public as the exercise continued, stressing that the initiative reflected the government’s commitment to justice, accountability and the rule of law.

On Monday, the AGF had said the ongoing phase marked the fourth round of mass terrorism trials conducted since the inception of the current administration, describing the exercise as a clear signal that the government would not tolerate terrorism in any form.

“The message is clear, direct and straightforward. It is that the present administration is not taking the issue of terrorism with levity. And that is why you see ongoing trials.

“Since the inception of this administration, this is about the fourth phase that we are undertaking. So the message is that let everybody know that terrorism in whatever form or shape will not be tolerated,” Fagbemi added.

The prosecution is being led by the AGF himself, while the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council, Aliyu Abubakar, heads the defence team.

Among the judges handling the cases are Justices Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman, James Omotosho, Obiora Egwuatu and Ekerete Akpan, with proceedings taking place across several courtrooms simultaneously.

The current phase of trials is expected to run through Thursday, with the overall exercise scheduled to last one week.

The latest phase follows a previous round conducted between April 7 and April 10, during which no fewer than 500 alleged terrorists were tried before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

Post Views: 30

Crime

Police arrest man for sharing fake video of bandit attack in Ekiti

Published

21 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested a man, Sunday Olawale, over allegedly spreading fake news of bandits’ attack on Are Ekiti in the Irepodun Ifelodun Local Government area of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, said in a statement in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday that the suspect, who confessed to the crime, had been unable to give a reason for the false information.

Abutu stated, “The Police Command wishes to reiterate that there was no bandit invasion in Are Ekiti or any part of the Ekiti State”.

The statement reads in part: “On 14th of June, 2026, the Command Rapid Response Squad trailed and arrested one Sunday Olawale at Ekute area of Ado Ekiti for cyberstalking and giving of false information intended to cause breakdown of law and order.

“It would be recalled that on the 12th of June 2026, a video was circulating on social media claiming that bandits had invaded Are Ekiti. The video was later confirmed to be false.

“During the investigation, the suspect confessed to having peddled the false information on social media and was unable to give any satisfactory reason for his action.

“The State Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, while warning that the Command will not tolerate any act of fake news peddling or content capable of initiating panic among members of the public, advises members of the public to always verify information they believe or share on social media,” the PPRO stated.

Post Views: 55

Crime

Police confirm three security operatives killed in NIPSS Plateau gunmen attack

Published

21 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed that three security operatives were killed in an attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, in the early hours of Monday.

In an information update in Jos on Tuesday, signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, the command said, “The Plateau State Police Command, on a very sad note, wishes to confirm the incident that occurred in the early hours of today, 16th June 2026, involving security personnel on duty at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru.

“Regrettably, three security personnel lost their lives during the incident.”

The command disclosed that security has been beefed up around the facility following the attack.

“Security reinforcements have been deployed, and patrols have been intensified around the general area by the Commissioner of Police, CP Bassey Ewah,” SP Alabo stated.

The police also assured residents that calm has returned to the area.

“The situation is under control and normal activities have resumed,” the statement added.

On the next steps, the command said, “Investigation is ongoing. The command urges members of the public to remain calm and go about their lawful businesses.”

The PPRO concluded that “Further updates will be communicated in due course.”

NIPSS Kuru is Nigeria’s premier policy training institution for senior public officials.

The attack marks one of the most serious security breaches at the facility in recent years.