Former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has raised an alarm over his continued ordeal in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), alleging a deliberate attempt to frustrate his constitutional right to a fair hearing and effective legal defense.
His Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka, the former AGF claimed that the DSS has systematically denied him access to his legal team.
This isolation, he argued, has severely impaired his ability to consult with counsel, prepare essential court filings, and provide instructions for his ongoing legal battles.
Malami described the agency’s actions as a “blatant violation” of the rule of law.
“This sequence of events suggests a pattern where arrest precedes investigation, with evidence sought only after detention,” the statement read.
“It is deeply troubling that the DSS appears to be adopting a practice of arrest and detention before evidence gathering.”
Malami recalled that after being charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Federal High Court granted him bail.
However, he alleged that the EFCC delayed submitting his international passports to the court for a week—a key requirement for his release—unnecessarily prolonging his stay in custody.
His aide further revealed that the moment Malami perfected his bail and exited the Kuje Custodial Centre, he was immediately rearrested by DSS operatives.
He was reportedly held for five days in total isolation before being allowed a brief meeting with his lawyers on Friday.
He argued that “no agency should be permitted to neutralize judicial orders through coordinated delays, rearrests, or denial of access to legal representation.”
Reaffirming his commitment to facing the charges against him, the former Justice Minister insisted he remains ready to defend his record in court, provided that state institutions respect constitutional guarantees.
