ABUJA, Nigeria — Operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS), which serves as Nigeria’s domestic intelligence agency, entered a property belonging to the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, on Monday, March 23, 2026. The incident occurred in the Maitama district of Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria, shortly after a high-profile visit from the former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar.
According to witnesses and internal sources, the security personnel arrived at the residence and directed all occupants to vacate the premises immediately. This action took place at approximately 3:00 p.m. West African Time (WAT), just moments after Atiku Abubakar had concluded a meeting with the former minister. An aide to the former vice president confirmed that the visit lasted roughly 60 minutes. Reports indicate that while the meeting was in progress, security agents had already positioned themselves around the building, only moving to disperse the occupants once the former vice president had departed the area.
Okay News reports that this development coincides with intense political pressure on prominent figures within the opposition to align with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). While President Bola Tinubu has consistently denied allegations of using state apparatus to weaken political rivals ahead of future elections, critics argue that such actions are intended to stifle opposition.
Abubakar Malami is currently navigating significant legal challenges. He is facing trial on allegations of corruption, including a case involving ₦8.7 billion (about $6.3 million). Observers of Nigerian politics have suggested that the timing and nature of these prosecutions may be influenced by political considerations. Although Atiku Abubakar shared photographs of his solidarity visit on social media earlier in the day, he has not yet released a formal statement regarding the subsequent raid.
The Department of State Services has not issued an official explanation for the operation. As of Monday evening, the residence remained under surveillance, and it is unclear if any arrests were made during the disruption of the household.
