Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has dismissed reports linking him to terrorism financing, describing the allegations as false, unfair and politically motivated.
In a statement released on Friday, Malami said he has never been accused, investigated, questioned or charged by any security, intelligence or regulatory agency in Nigeria or abroad over terrorism financing or any related offence.
He faulted the publication that mentioned his name, stating that it was built on speculation and misrepresentation. According to him, even the retired military officer referenced in the report did not accuse him of funding terrorism.
Malami noted that the way the report was framed created a false impression, which he said was later exploited by political adversaries to suggest wrongdoing.
“Terrorism financing is a serious crime with grave implications for national security and human lives. Any attempt to link an individual to such an offence, whether directly or through insinuation, must be based on clear facts, due process and lawful findings, not on speculation,” he said.
He further stated that his tenure as Attorney-General focused on strengthening Nigeria’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing structures, rather than weakening them.
Malami highlighted key reforms under his watch, including the autonomy of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the passage of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
He added that the Ministry of Justice worked closely with local and international partners to improve coordination and compliance in the fight against financial crimes and terrorism financing.
According to him, these efforts contributed to Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, which he said contradicts any claim of complicity in terror financing.
The former minister also noted that public service involves engagement with individuals and organisations across different sectors, warning against using such interactions to tarnish reputations.
He cautioned that reckless reporting on terrorism-related matters could damage individual credibility and weaken public trust in security institutions.
Malami rejected the allegations in full and said he reserves the right to seek legal redress against any publication that misrepresents his role in Nigeria’s anti-terrorism financing efforts. He also reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law and the continued strengthening of the country’s justice and security systems.
