The Department of State Services (DSS) yesterday arrested a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mallam Abubakar Malami (SAN).
This followed the discovery of arms and ammunition in his Binin Kebbi mansion.
He has been taken into custody for questioning for alleged terror financing.
It was alleged that he was working in cahoots with some vested interests abroad to destabilise the country.
A former minister, allegedly collaborating with Malami, has been placed on the watch list.
The collaborator allegedly set up a base outside the country for terror attacks on Nigeria.
Investigation by our correspondent showed that Malami was arrested yesterday outside the Kuje Correctional Service, Abuja, after perfecting his bail conditions on economic and financial crimes-related matters.
He was put on trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged N8billion fraud.
Justice Emeka Nwite granted him, his son, and others bail on January 7.
Recall it was reported on January 12 that the DSS was waiting to arrest the ex-minister for questioning over arms and ammunition found at his residence by operatives of the EFCC during a search.
In the course of investigating the financial sleaze, EFCC operatives intercepted arms in his residence and handed them over to the DSS.
For almost two weeks, the DSS had laid an ambush for Malami in the precincts of Kuje prison.
Sensing likely arrest by the DSS, Malami footdragged on meeting up with his bail terms.
But as he stepped out of the prison yard yesterday, he was picked up.
A security source confirmed Malami’s arrest.
He said: “Yes, it is true that DSS operatives arrested Malami.
“There are several petitions against him bordering on alleged terrorism financing.
“Terrorism and terrorism financing are serious offences globally.
‘You’ll recall that when Malami was the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, he vowed that the government of the day would not shield any person or persons linked to terrorism or terrorism financing.
“No responsible government would, in the same vein, fold its hands or turn a blind eye to weighty allegations of terrorism financing levelled against any individual, no matter how highly placed, in this case, Malami.
“In the course of investigations, we have what is called inter-agency cooperation.
“It is not uncommon for one security agency to hand over a person under investigation to another sister security agency.
“In Nigeria, the DSS is the sole security agency tasked with the responsibility of investigating such allegations.
“It’ll be best to allow them do their job.”
Another highly-placed intelligence source said: “Security agencies will interrogate Malami and the ex-minister collaborator on their findings.
“But the ex-minister has refused to return to the country from the base he has established abroad.
“If he is adamant, the Federal Government may ask for his repatriation after securing the leave of a court in the country.
“Fortunately, the ex-minister is operating in a country that does not tolerate terrorism.”
