Erstwhile Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has rebuffed talks linking him to terrorism financing, stating that a recent publication claim this was misleading and unfounded.
In a statement sent to newsmen, Malami stated that he had never been accused, queried or probed by any Nigerian or foreign security or regulatory agency over terrorism financing or related offences.
He stated that the retired military officer cited as SaharaReporters’ key source did not accuse him of funding terrorism, adding that the report instead relied on vague claims that some suspects allegedly had “business or institutional” contact with various individuals. According to Malami, the framing of the report created false impressions that were later amplified by political rivals.
“Terrorism financing is a grave crime. Any attempt to associate someone with it must be based on verifiable facts and lawful findings, not conjecture or guilt by association,” he said.
Malami argued that his record in office contradicts any suggestion of complicity, pointing to reforms undertaken during his tenure to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing systems.
He named measures including the establishment of an independent Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, the enactment of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. He said these reforms contributed to Nigeria’s eventual removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) “grey list”.
Malami said further that routine engagement with a wide range of individuals is part of public office and should not be construed as evidence of criminal involvement.
The former minister warned that false reporting on national security issues can damage reputations and erode trust in institutions, maintaining he rejects “any insinuation or suggestion” linking him to terrorism financing.
Malami stated his commitment to the rule of law and reserves the right to seek redress against publications that misrepresent his actions or integrity.
