Former Attorney‑General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of denying him access to his lawyers and infringing his constitutional rights during his detention.
He made the allegations on Saturday, January 24, 2026, describing the treatment as unlawful and a breach of due process.
Malami’s office said he was granted bail by a Federal High Court earlier in January 2026 in an interim asset forfeiture case.
However, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission allegedly delayed submitting his international passports, a key requirement for perfecting bail, which extended his detention unnecessarily.
The statement further alleged that immediately after completing bail formalities at the Kuje Custodial Centre, DSS operatives rearrested him.
He was reportedly held for five days without meaningful access to his legal team or family, and was only allowed to meet his lawyers on Friday, January 23, 2026, after prolonged isolation.
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Malami’s camp said the restriction came at a critical stage when he needed to prepare and present his defence before the Federal High Court, severely limiting his ability to consult with lawyers, prepare filings, and give instructions.
The office described the sequence; delayed bail documentation, rearrest, and restricted legal access as a violation of his fundamental rights that threatens the authority of the judiciary and the rule of law.
Malami reaffirmed his commitment to defending himself in court and urged all state institutions to respect court orders, uphold constitutional guarantees, and ensure due process.
At the time of publication, the DSS had not issued a response to the allegations.