Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja, Nigeria — Mallam Abubakar Malami (SAN), the immediate former Attorney‑General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, is reportedly the subject of a fresh investigation by the Department of State Services (DSS) after arms and ammunition were discovered at his country home in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State. Security sources and media reports indicate that the discovery has prompted a full‑scale security probe separate from ongoing corruption proceedings.
According to multiple reports, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) uncovered the cache of weapons during a search of Malami’s Kebbi residence as part of broader investigative activity linked to his current legal troubles. Because the possession and legality of arms lie outside the EFCC’s constitutional mandate, the anti‑graft agency transferred the recovered weapons and related evidence to the DSS for comprehensive investigation into illegal arms possession and related security concerns.
While official details on the number or types of weapons and ammunition recovered have not been released, sources told Nigerian media that the quantity was regarded as significant enough to warrant a separate DSS probe. Analysts say such investigations typically involve tracing the origin of the arms and determining whether they were acquired and held lawfully under Nigerian security and firearms regulations.
Malami remains in custody at the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in Abuja, where he is being held in connection with a money laundering prosecution; he was granted bail in that case but has so far been unable to meet the conditions set by the Federal High Court. Reports suggest that part of the reason for the delay in perfecting bail may be tied to concerns over potential re‑arrest by DSS authorities ahead of the fresh investigation.
Sources familiar with the matter told Sahara Reporters that DSS operatives were deployed around the Kuje facility in anticipation of Malami’s release, an action interpreted within some security quarters as preparation for his possible re‑arrest once bail conditions were met. It remains unclear whether an official invitation has been extended by the DSS, but informed sources say Malami may need to explain how and why the weapons were found at his residence.
The development comes against the backdrop of an ongoing legal effort to confiscate assets linked to Malami. Just days earlier, a **Federal High Court in Abuja issued an interim forfeiture order for 57 properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity, collectively valued at about ₦213.2 billion, spread across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and Kaduna States. Claimants have been given a limited window to prove lawful ownership or risk the assets being permanently forfeited to the federal government.
Malami’s legal challenges have been unfolding for months, with the EFCC’s corruption case alleging that he, his wife and one of his sons engaged in money laundering involving ₦8.7 billion. While those charges are being litigated, the new DSS investigation into the alleged arms possession introduces a distinct security dimension to his profile of legal entanglements.
At the time of reporting, neither Malami’s legal team nor official spokespersons for the DSS had issued a formal comment on the new investigation. It remains unclear how the weapons were acquired or whether additional suspects will be implicated as the probe progresses.
Observers say the fresh focus on arms possession reflects broader concerns about the proliferation of unlicensed weapons in Nigeria and the implications that possession by high‑profile individuals could have for national security. As the DSS investigation unfolds, Malami’s legal status and potential implications for national politics continue to draw considerable public and media attention.
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