Malami denies terrorism financing allegations, says claims are political
Story by Okafor Vivian
Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has dismissed recent reports linking him to terrorism financing, describing the allegations as politically motivated and entirely baseless.
In a statement released on Friday, Malami said he had never been accused, invited, interrogated, or investigated by any security, intelligence, or regulatory agency within or outside Nigeria over terrorism financing or related offences. He noted that the retired military officer cited in the publication did not accuse him directly, but only referenced unspecified “institutional or business relationships” involving individuals under investigation.
Malami insisted that portraying legitimate professional engagements as evidence of terrorism financing was misleading and malicious. He accused the publication of using sensational headlines while ignoring clarifications from its own source, thereby creating false impressions intended to damage reputations.
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The former minister defended his record in office, stressing that he led major reforms that strengthened Nigeria’s anti–money laundering and counter-terrorism financing systems. He cited the establishment of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit as an autonomous body and the enactment of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Malami urged the public to disregard what he described as politically driven narratives, warning against the dangers of linking individuals to terrorism based on speculation, innuendo, or guilt by association.
He reaffirmed that no law enforcement body had ever connected him to terrorism financing, and called for responsible reporting on issues capable of inflaming public emotions.
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