Former AGF Abubakar Malami rejects reports linking him to terrorism financing, calling the claims unfounded while highlighting his role in strengthening Nigeria’s AML/CFT framework
Ex-AGF Malami Denies Terrorism Financing Allegations, Says Claims Are “Unfounded and Unfair”
Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has firmly denied any connection to terrorism financing following a recent publication that mentioned his name among alleged terror suspects and purported financiers.
In a statement shared on his verified social media pages on Friday, Malami described the claims as “unfounded and unfair,” insisting that he has never been investigated, questioned, or charged by any security or intelligence agency—locally or internationally—over terrorism financing or any related offence.
Malami clarified that the retired military officer referenced in the controversial report never accused him of terror financing. Instead, the officer reportedly spoke about alleged institutional or business interactions involving certain suspects—details Malami said were later twisted into politically motivated narratives.
“Terrorism financing is a grave crime. Any attempt to associate an individual with such an offence must be grounded in verifiable facts, not conjecture or guilt by association,” he stated, cautioning against what he described as attempts to weaponise routine institutional engagements to malign public officials.
Highlighting his record as Attorney-General, Malami noted that he championed several landmark reforms that directly strengthened Nigeria’s Anti–Money Laundering and Counter–Terrorism Financing (AML/CFT) systems.
Among the reforms he listed were the establishment of an independent Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the enactment of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
He said these reforms—implemented in partnership with the National Assembly, law enforcement agencies, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and international partners—contributed significantly to the assessment that led to Nigeria’s removal from the FATF grey list, a global watchlist for countries under increased monitoring.
According to him, such internationally acknowledged progress is “entirely inconsistent with any suggestion” that he or members of his reform team were involved in shielding or supporting terror financiers.
While reaffirming his respect for the media, Malami urged journalists to exercise responsibility, especially on issues touching national security. He warned that sensational or careless reporting could damage reputations and undermine public trust in institutions responsible for safeguarding Nigerians. Read More
