Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has denied allegations linking him to terrorism financing, describing them as “unfounded and unfair”.
In a statement, Malami emphasized that he has never been investigated, interrogated, or charged by any security or intelligence agency within or outside Nigeria over terrorism financing or related offences.
Malami clarified that the retired military officer cited in the report did not accuse him or other individuals of financing terrorism, but rather referenced alleged “business” or “institutional” relationships involving some suspects.
He warned against weaponizing routine institutional engagements to malign public officials, stressing that terrorism financing is a grave crime requiring verifiable facts, not conjecture or guilt by association.
Highlighting his tenure as Attorney-General, Malami pointed to reforms strengthening Nigeria’s anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorism-financing frameworks, including the establishment of an independent Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit and enactment of relevant laws.
These efforts contributed to Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force’s grey list.
