Malami’s Son Rearrested After Release From Prison

Security agents have re-arrested Abdulaziz, son of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, shortly after bail procedures for his release were completed.

The rearrest followed what sources described as renewed security intervention, despite court bailiffs from the Federal High Court arriving at the facility with fully processed bail documents to secure Abdulaziz’s release.

The incident occurred on Friday after security officials, who had reportedly been monitoring movements in and out of the prison based on intelligence reports, took Abdulaziz into custody shortly after he was handed over to those facilitating his release.

A source said, “He was released to the court bailiffs with fully processed bail papers but was immediately rearrested by security agents.”

Abdulaziz, his father, Abubakar Malami and Asabe, Malami’s wife, are standing trial before Justice Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged money laundering involving N8.7 billion.

Earlier this month, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured an interim forfeiture order on 57 landed properties linked to Malami.

The properties, valued at N213.23 billion, are located across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and Kaduna states.

Some of the forfeited assets were also linked to Malami’s sons, Abdulaziz Malami and Abiru-Rahman Malami, as well as his wife, Asabe.

The forfeiture order was granted less than 12 hours after the Federal High Court approved bail for Malami, his wife and son in the sum of N500 million each, with two sureties in like sum, and fixed their trial for February 17.

The affected properties include university buildings, agro-allied factories, hotels, pharmacies, supermarkets, schools, filling stations, shops and other commercial buildings. (Daily trust)