Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has firmly rejected allegations and insinuations linking him to terrorism financing, describing the claims as misleading, unjust and politically motivated.
In a detailed statement issued on Friday, Malami said his attention was drawn to a recent publication in which his name was mentioned in connection with alleged terror financiers and persons described as terror suspects. He said the publication created wrongful impressions capable of misleading the public and damaging his reputation.
Malami stated categorically that at no time has he ever been accused, invited, interrogated, investigated or charged by any security, law-enforcement, regulatory or intelligence agency, either within or outside Nigeria, in relation to terrorism financing or any related offence.
He noted that even the retired military officer referenced as the main source in the publication reportedly admitted that he did not accuse Malami or other named individuals of financing terrorism. According to Malami, the source merely made vague claims of alleged “business” or “institutional” relationships between some suspects and certain individuals. He said this clarification was overshadowed by a headline and framing that created mischievous insinuations, which were later politically manipulated by his opponents to falsely imply his involvement in terrorism financing.
The former minister stressed that terrorism financing is a serious crime with devastating consequences for national security and human lives, warning that any attempt to associate an individual with such offences must be based on verifiable facts, due process and lawful findings, not speculation, conjecture or guilt by association.
Malami said his record in public office directly contradicts any suggestion of complicity in terrorism financing. He recalled that during his tenure as Attorney-General of the Federation, he worked closely with other arms of government and relevant institutions to strengthen Nigeria’s legal and institutional framework against money laundering and terrorism financing.
He highlighted key reforms undertaken during his time in office, including the establishment by law of an independent Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). He explained that the move was aimed at meeting global standards on operational autonomy and restoring Nigeria’s standing within the international financial intelligence community.
According to Malami, his office also supported and ensured the enactment of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which repealed the former Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act and introduced a more comprehensive and stringent regime to combat money laundering and related offences, including those linked to terrorism financing.
He further cited the passage and implementation of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which he said strengthened Nigeria’s legal framework against terrorism by updating offences and penalties, while reinforcing provisions dealing specifically with terrorism financing in line with international standards and United Nations obligations.
Malami said his office worked closely with key domestic institutions such as the NFIU, the Central Bank of Nigeria, law-enforcement and regulatory agencies, as well as international partners, to enhance coordination, information-sharing and compliance across Nigeria’s anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorism-financing (AML/CFT) architecture.
He stated that these reforms, in addition to subsequent efforts by succeeding administrations and institutions, were later assessed by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and contributed to Nigeria’s removal from the FATF “grey list” of jurisdictions under increased monitoring. He noted that such independent international assessment is inconsistent with any claim that those who led the reforms were colluding with or shielding terror financiers.
The former minister emphasised that holding public office naturally involves interacting with a wide range of individuals and institutions, both locally and internationally, stressing that such engagement does not in itself amount to evidence of criminal knowledge, participation or benefit.
While acknowledging the sacrifices of security officers and recognising the role of the media in informing the public, Malami urged journalists to exercise responsibility, balance and precision, especially on sensitive issues bordering on terrorism and national security. He warned that careless or exaggerated reporting could harm reputations and weaken public confidence in national institutions.
Malami said he totally rejects any insinuation or suggestion linking him to terrorism financing or support for terrorism, describing such claims as unfounded, unfair and contrary to facts.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law, the strengthening of justice and security institutions, and the continued improvement of Nigeria’s international standing, adding that he reserves his legal and constitutional rights to seek clarification, correction or redress over publications that misrepresent his role or impugn his integrity.
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