Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have allegedly uncovered arms and ammunition at the residence of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.
The discovery has prompted a fresh security investigation into the source and legality of the weapons.
According to a senior security source, the EFCC handed over the recovered arms to the Department of State Services (DSS), noting that investigating illegal possession of weapons falls outside the commission’s statutory mandate, Daily Trust reported.
READ ALSO: Malami Raises Concerns Over Planned Rearrest
“The former minister is being separately investigated for allegedly having arms in his house in Birnin Kebbi. The inventory of the shock find has been handed over to the DSS,” the source said.
DSS Begins Full Investigation
Although the precise number of weapons recovered has not been disclosed, officials indicated that the volume was significant enough to warrant a thorough DSS probe.
DSS operatives have reportedly been stationed near the Kuje Correctional Centre to formally invite Malami for questioning. “He got wind of their presence and raised the alarm. But the law must take its course,” the source added.
Malami Yet to Perfect Bail Conditions
Malami, who was granted bail last week alongside his sons Abdulaziz and Abiru-Rahman, remains in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre after reportedly failing to meet the conditions of his bail.
EFCC sources dismissed social media reports claiming Malami had returned to Kebbi State, stating that he remains in custody.
EFCC Investigation Predates Current Leadership
The EFCC emphasised that the probe into Malami’s activities is neither new nor politically motivated. Sources said the investigation began during the tenure of former acting chairman Ibrahim Magu and continued under subsequent leadership.
“There is nothing vindictive about his investigation since 2019. It is an inherited case, and the ex-AGF knows this,” a source said.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede later confirmed during a television interview that he inherited the Malami case upon assuming office.
Court Orders Interim Forfeiture of 57 Assets
Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Abuja last week ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties linked to Malami and his sons, valued at approximately ₦213.2 billion.
The court granted them 14 days to show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
The assets, located in Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and Birnin Kebbi, were targeted under the Non-Conviction Asset Forfeiture provisions of the EFCC Establishment Act. Failure to demonstrate lawful ownership could result in permanent forfeiture.
Malami Requests EFCC Chairman Recuse Himself
The former AGF has called on EFCC Chairman Olukoyede to recuse himself from the investigation, claiming he is being targeted due to his defection from the ruling APC to the ADC.
Malami also urged the current AGF and Minister of Justice to intervene in the matter.
The office of Abubakar Malami, SAN, had earlier raised alarm over reports that government security agencies may attempt to rearrest the former Attorney General immediately upon his release, despite a court granting him bail.
According to a statement issued by Malami’s media aide, Mohammed Bello Doka, the development “raises grave concerns about due process, the rule of law, and personal safety.”
Doka said intelligence suggests that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have mounted surveillance at Kuje Correctional Centre and are prepared to act on plans to rearrest Malami on alleged new charges, which are believed to be unrelated to his current case.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
