A dramatic late-night security operation has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s legal and political circles. Operatives of the Department of State Services have rearrested Abdulaziz Malami, son of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, inside Kuje Correctional Centre, aborting what security sources describe as an attempted quiet extraction that bypassed standard prison release procedures.
The rearrest followed heightened intelligence surveillance at the facility amid fears of behind-the-scenes manoeuvres to move the former minister’s son out of custody without public scrutiny. SKYTREND NEWS reports that the incident has deepened controversy surrounding the ongoing ₦8.7 billion money laundering case rocking the Malami family.
Quiet exit blocked – how the DSS moved in
Sources within Kuje Correctional Centre disclosed that the incident occurred on Friday when court bailiffs from the Federal High Court arrived with fully processed bail documents for Abdulaziz’s release. However, the process reportedly stalled when his father, Abubakar Malami, allegedly refused to allow the usual release formalities.
Instead, security officials said Malami insisted that his son be discreetly moved out of the facility, triggering alarm among intelligence operatives already monitoring movements in and out of the prison.
According to SKYTREND NEWS findings, DSS officers had placed the prison under intense surveillance following intelligence suggesting attempts to manage Abdulaziz’s release away from public attention.
Vehicles profiled – arrest made after handover
Security sources said every vehicle exiting the correctional centre was profiled. Abdulaziz was intercepted and rearrested shortly after being handed over by those facilitating his release.
“This happened on Friday. Bailiffs brought fully processed papers, but Malami insisted on sneaking his son out. DSS operatives profiled all vehicles and rearrested him,” a source familiar with the incident said.
Another security official described the move as a reflection of growing unease within the intelligence community over what they termed “irregular efforts” surrounding the former attorney-general’s conduct.
Fraud case backdrop – ₦8.7bn allegations
Abdulaziz is standing trial alongside his father and Malami’s fourth wife, Bashir Asabe, following their arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja.
The defendants face a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, procuring, disguising, concealing and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities totalling ₦8,713,923,759.49, contrary to the Money Laundering Act, 2022. All three pleaded not guilty.
Court documents allege that Malami used fronts and corporate entities such as Metropolitan Auto Tech Ltd and Meethaq Hotels Ltd to launder public funds while in office.
Luxury properties and bank trails
According to EFCC filings, Abdulaziz and his father allegedly procured over ₦1.01 billion through Metropolitan Auto Tech Ltd between July 2022 and June 2025 to conceal the origin of funds deposited in a Sterling Bank account.
Other allegations include the use of ₦600 million as collateral for a hotel loan and payments routed through property firms and Bureau De Change operators to acquire luxury assets in Maitama, Jabi, Garki, Asokoro, Gwarimpa, Kano and Birnin Kebbi.
Listed properties include a ₦500 million duplex on Amazon Street, Maitama, a ₦700 million property on Onitsha Crescent, Garki, and an ₦850 million Meethaq Hotels complex in Jabi.
Heavy security and terrorism concerns
Earlier in January, Kuje Prison was reportedly placed under tight security with more than 50 DSS operatives deployed around the facility. Sources said the deployment was a preventive measure to ensure Malami did not evade investigation into alleged terrorism-related financial activities linked to the broader probe.
In late December, Abdulaziz was also rushed to the prison clinic after falling ill, further fuelling speculation around his custody and treatment.
Case deepens – spotlight on rule of law
Despite the gravity of the allegations, Malami and his co-defendants maintain their innocence, insisting the matter proceed to full trial. Analysts say the rearrest episode underscores rising institutional resolve to enforce due process regardless of status.
For background on Nigeria’s anti-money laundering framework, see https://www.efcc.gov.ng and legal context at https://www.nigeria-law.org. More investigative updates are available at https://skytrendnews.com/newsbreak/.
