EFCC Hands Ex-Attorney-General Malami to DSS Over Alleged Arms and Ammunition Discovery
EFCC Hands Ex-Attorney-General Malami to DSS Over Alleged Arms and Ammunition Discovery
The detention of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has taken a new turn following moves by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to transfer him to the custody of the Department of State Services over allegations involving high-calibre arms and ammunition.
The development comes despite an earlier decision by the Federal High Court granting Malami bail in an ongoing financial crimes case being prosecuted by the EFCC.
Security sources told Track News Online that the transfer was initiated after investigators allegedly discovered prohibited weapons during a search linked to the former justice minister.
According to sources familiar with events at the DSS headquarters, the decision to take over Malami’s custody was based on intelligence reports and preliminary findings that raised serious national security concerns. The sources said the nature of the alleged discovery placed the matter outside the exclusive scope of the EFCC.
The EFCC is statutorily empowered to investigate economic and financial crimes, but the presence of arms and ammunition is viewed as a security issue requiring the involvement of the country’s domestic intelligence agency. This distinction, officials said, informed the decision to commence a separate line of investigation.
Investigators reportedly believe the alleged weapons discovery introduces a new dimension to Malami’s legal troubles, independent of the corruption-related charges already pending against him. As a result, security agencies are said to be treating the matter as a fresh case requiring further scrutiny.
Sources indicated that Malami would be held in DSS custody while investigations continue, with some officials noting that the facility also houses other high-profile detainees, including the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu. The sources did not provide details on specific detention arrangements.
The alleged arms discovery has triggered heightened security reviews and internal assessments, with officials describing the situation as sensitive. They stressed that investigations are still at a preliminary stage and that conclusions would only be drawn after thorough examination of the evidence.
Malami has strongly protested his continued detention, insisting that it violates the court order granting him bail. Through his legal team, he expressed frustration over what he described as the refusal of authorities to comply with the court’s directive.
In a message conveyed from detention, the former Attorney-General said he was confused by the actions of the EFCC and distressed by his continued incarceration. He maintained that the bail granted by the court should have resulted in his immediate release.
“I honestly don’t know what is going on. The court has granted me bail, yet I don’t understand why the EFCC is refusing to obey the court order,” Malami was quoted as saying. He appealed for the authorities to respect the rule of law and allow him to return to his family.
“It’s very simple — obey the court and let me go home. I have a family waiting for me,” he said. Malami added that his prolonged detention was taking an emotional toll on him and his loved ones.
The former justice minister also expressed concern about the timing of the events, noting that he hoped not to remain in custody into the new year. “If there is one thing I truly want, it’s not to end 2025 in jail,” he was quoted as saying.
A DSS source familiar with the investigation explained that while court orders are binding, the emergence of fresh evidence can legally justify continued detention under a different investigative framework. The source said security agencies are empowered to act swiftly when national security issues arise.
The source emphasized that the new investigation is separate from the EFCC’s financial crimes case and would follow its own legal process. Officials also maintained that due process would be observed as investigations progress.
As of the time of reporting, neither the EFCC nor the DSS had issued an official public statement detailing the allegations or confirming the extent of the investigation. The situation continues to attract attention amid growing debate over the balance between court orders and security-driven detentions.
