Court Orders Abubakar Malami, Wife, and Son Back to Prison Over Fresh Legal Setback

Security operatives have raided the residence of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.

Malami, who has been in detention over alleged money laundering, was recently granted bail.

Prominent chieftains of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, have visited him at his residence since he regained freedom.

However, hours after Atiku left on Monday, security operatives stormed Malami’s residence.

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In a video of the incident, Malami, who was still dressed in the same attire in which he received Atiku was heard saying, “Show me where they said you should come and take over my property. When the matter is pending in court, can you operate extraordinarily?”

“We have the right to mark property once the property is under forfeiture,” a plain-cloth official said.

“Is it under forfeiture when the order has elapsed? Order granted for 14 days has elapsed and you’re coming to embarrass me. Very early in the morning you were in my other house and then you’re here. Where is the order that gave you the permission to come over to my property and mark them. It is the order I want to see.”

“This is the order; I gave you the order, sir,” another operative replied.

“Show me where it is stated that you can come over to mark my property. Where is the order? The order here is not specific, giving you clear directive to come and mark my property. This matter is pending in court. Where is the order from the court that gave you permission? Are you coming here to embarrass me? Are you coming here to embarrass me unnecessarily…? Without an existing court order, when a matter is pending in court, you are coming all over my property to embarrass me. Is that the way it is done. Okay go ahead and mark. We will meet in court.”

Malami has denied the multiple criminal charges filed against him, accusing the Federal Government of witch hunt.

Malami is currently facing a 16-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering alongside his wife, Bashir Asabe, and son, Abdulaziz.

Speaking in an interview with DCL Hausa, the former minister described his recent legal and custodial experiences as part of a broader life journey, while insisting he would contest the allegations in court.

“I have spent time in EFCC custody, Kuje Prison, and with the DSS. I believe it is all God’s will, and I accept it, but I will defend myself against the allegations,” he said.

Malami was initially released from custody before being rearrested on January 19 by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). Two days later, he alleged that he was denied access to his family members and legal representatives while in detention.

On February 27, a Federal High Court in Abuja granted him and his son bail in the sum of N200 million each over separate allegations linked to terrorism-related offences.

The former minister also raised concerns about the conduct of security agencies during the investigation, alleging that his rights were breached.

“They violated my rights by searching my houses and business premises without notifying me during the investigation,” he had said.

“Constitutionally, I have the right to be present during a search to oversee the investigation of my property and to know exactly what is being looked for or taken.”

Despite the ongoing legal battle, Malami maintained that he stands by his record in public office.

“I have no regrets regarding what I did during my time as a minister,” he had stated.