Abubakar Malami, former attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice, has accused the Department of State Services of denying him access to his family members and legal team.
Malami, who is standing trial alongside his son and wife
over allegations bordering on money laundering, was arraigned by the Economic
and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and subsequently remanded at the Kuje
Correctional Centre in Abuja.
On January 7, a federal high court in Abuja granted him bail
in the sum of N500 million.
However, shortly after his release from the facility on
Monday, DSS operatives arrested Malami at the front of Kuje prison.
The former minister was reportedly re-arrested following the
alleged discovery of arms at his residence.
In a statement on Wednesday, Mohammed Doka, the media aide
to the former AGF, said the reports that DSS found arms at Malami’s residence
are “false, unsubstantiated and unsupported by any official record”.
Doka said no such discovery has been formally communicated
to Malami’s family or legal representatives.
He said the “prolonged isolation” of Malami by the DSS
“raises legitimate concerns regarding his safety, welfare and constitutionally
guaranteed rights”.
“We categorically reject claims that any cache of arms or
ammunition was discovered in any residence linked to Abubakar Malami, SAN,” the
statement reads.
“These claims are false, unsubstantiated and unsupported by
any official record, judicial document or lawful disclosure. No such discovery
has been formally communicated to his family or legal representatives.
“We also firmly deny allegations or insinuations linking
Abubakar Malami, SAN, to terrorism, terrorism financing or related activities.
“Such claims have been advanced without naming a single
individual, organisation, transaction, date or piece of verifiable evidence,
rendering them speculative and irresponsible.
“Since his arrest on Monday by the DSS, Abubakar Malami,
SAN, has been denied access to his family, legal team, and associates.
“This prolonged isolation raises legitimate concerns
regarding his safety, welfare, and constitutionally guaranteed rights, including
access to legal counsel and family contact.
“We further express concern over the undue hardship and
emotional strain placed on his family and staff as a result of sensational
reporting and unverified narratives.
“It is important to note that Abubakar Malami, SAN, is a
prominent chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and has publicly
declared his intention to contest the Kebbi State governorship election in
2027.
“Against this background, the political undertones now
surrounding this matter cannot be ignored. Legal processes must remain
insulated from political considerations.”
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