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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