Malami Faces Fresh Investigation Over Arms Allegedly Found In Kebbi Residence
Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mallam Abubakar Malami (SAN), is facing a fresh investigation following the discovery of arms and ammunition allegedly found in his residence.
According to a report by The Nation, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission uncovered the weapons during a search of Malami’s country home in Kebbi State. The EFCC was said to have handed over the arms to the Department of State Services, explaining that it lacks the constitutional mandate to investigate illegal possession of firearms.
While the exact number of weapons could not be independently confirmed, sources disclosed that the quantity was substantial enough to trigger a full investigation by the DSS.
This development comes amid Malami’s ongoing fraud trial. Last week, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted Malami, his wife Asabe Bashir, and their son Abdulaziz Malami bail in the sum of N500 million each, with two sureties. Despite the ruling, Malami remains at the Kuje Correctional Centre after failing to meet the bail conditions.
Sources suggested that Malami’s inability to perfect his bail may be linked to the DSS investigation into the weapons allegedly found in his Birnin Kebbi residence.
“The former minister is being separately investigated for allegedly having arms in his house in Birnin Kebbi. The inventory of the find has been handed over to the DSS. It is now left to Malami to explain to the DSS how he came about the arms. That is why he is yet to perfect his bail conditions,” a source said.
Another source added that DSS operatives are reportedly around the Kuje Correctional Centre to invite Malami for questioning, noting that he may be delaying his release to avoid immediate arrest.
An EFCC source also dismissed claims circulating on social media that Malami had returned to Kebbi State, insisting that he remains in custody.
“By our records, the former AGF is still in custody. We have seen several misleading clips online about his alleged arrival and reception in Kebbi State,” the source said.
The source further revealed that investigations into Malami’s activities began as far back as 2019 and have continued across different leaderships at the EFCC.
“There is nothing vindictive about this investigation. It started under former EFCC Acting Chairman Ibrahim Magu and continued through subsequent administrations to the current leadership. It is an inherited case, and Malami is fully aware of it.”
Investigations into both the alleged arms discovery and the fraud charges against the former minister are ongoing.
