January 07, (THEWILL) — Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has raised the alarm over an alleged plan by government security agencies to re-arrest him immediately after his release on bail, despite a subsisting court order granting him freedom.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka, the former AGF said he had been reliably informed that security operatives were preparing to arrest him for unrelated and “trumped-up” charges, a move he warned poses serious threats to due process, the rule of law and personal safety.
The statement recalled that a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had weeks ago granted Malami bail. However, it alleged that the order was not honoured, as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declined to effect his release, thereby frustrating what it described as a valid judicial decision.
According to the statement, fresh intelligence now indicates that plans are underway to re-arrest Malami immediately upon his release in the current matter, allegedly to ensure his continued detention. It further claimed that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have mounted surveillance and are on standby to execute the alleged plan.
“This pattern of actions—granting bail on paper while preparing fresh arrests to ensure continued detention—represents a grave assault on constitutional safeguards and an abuse of state power,” the statement said.
Malami warned that such actions undermine public confidence in the justice system and raise serious questions about respect for judicial authority. He also placed it “clearly on record” that his safety, along with his family and staff is under serious threat, stressing that any act of intimidation, unlawful detention or harm must be fully accounted for by those responsible.
The statement maintained that Malami has consistently demonstrated respect for the rule of law and readiness to submit himself to all lawful judicial processes, insisting that what is being demanded is strict obedience to court orders, fairness and constitutional protection as guaranteed to every Nigerian.
It also called on relevant authorities, the legal community, civil society organisations and the international community to closely monitor the situation and prevail on all security agencies to act strictly within the confines of the law.
“Further updates will be communicated to the public as developments unfold,” the statement added.
As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC and the DSS had yet to issue official responses to the allegations.
THEWILL reports that Malami is standing trial alongside others on charges bordering on alleged abuse of office and financial impropriety.
The case has been adjourned to February 17, 2026, for the commencement of hearing in the 16-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering to the tune of ₦8.7 billion filed against him, his son, Abdulaziz and Hajia Bashir Asabe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday granted the defendants bail in the sum of ₦1.5bn.
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