There was palpable trepidation in Sokoto on Monday after Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), collapsed at a high-powered event in the state.

The powerful minister, who was on official assignment in Sokoto, was quickly surrounded by jittery aides and stupefied dignitaries at the event who successfully resuscitated and propped him up back on his feet.

Malami, who recently returned from an official visit to Turkey, was in Sokoto for the inauguration of the reconstructed State High Court complex.

The Justice Minister slumped after delivering his speech but was swiftly revived. Witnesses say Malami looked feeble and exceedingly tired.

According to a source who’s familiar with the development, the AGF, who was transported sick from Sokoto was, upon his return to Abuja, hospitalised.

Malami, along with the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko, was in Sokoto on Monday to commission the reconstructed State High Court complex.

A meteoric rise in fame.

With the triumvirate of Abba Kyari, Isa Funtua, and Mamman Daura — the irrepressible cabal members — out of the way, Malami has become a formidable force in the Buhari government as he slowly works his way to the pinnacle of presidency.

Malami’s rise from a relatively inconsequential cabinet member to a domineering figure in the current administration has left many astounded, so much so that many social commentators and political analysts now regard him as Nigeria’s de facto president.