Taiwo Popoola
Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has dismissed suggestions linking him to terrorism financing, describing a recent publication as misleading and unfounded.
In a statement on Friday, Malami said he had never been accused, questioned or investigated by any Nigerian or foreign security or regulatory agency over terrorism financing or related offences.
He said 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 listed 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 added that routine engagement with a wide range of individuals is part of public office and should not be construed as evidence of criminal involvement.
He warned that inaccurate reporting on national security issues can damage reputations and erode trust in institutions, insisting he rejects “any insinuation or suggestion” linking him to terrorism financing.
