Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has firmly rejected insinuations linking him to terrorism financing, describing recent media reports on the matter as misleading, unfounded and politically motivated.
In a detailed statement on Thursday, Malami said he had never been accused, invited, interrogated or investigated by any security, regulatory or intelligence agency—locally or internationally—over terrorism financing or any related offence.
He noted that even the retired military officer quoted as the source of the claims did not accuse him of financing terrorism, but merely referenced vague “institutional” or “business” interactions allegedly involving certain suspects. Malami said that despite this clarification, the publication’s framing created “damaging and inaccurate” impressions later weaponised by political opponents.
“Terrorism financing is a grave crime,” he stated. “Any attempt to associate anyone with such an offence must be grounded in verifiable facts and due process—not conjecture, speculation or guilt by association.”
Malami said his record in office contradicts any notion of complicity, stressing that he played a central role in strengthening Nigeria’s anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorism-financing (AML/CFT) framework.
He outlined reforms driven under his tenure, including the legal establishment of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) as an autonomous entity; the passage of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022; and the enactment of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
He added that his office worked closely with the NFIU, Central Bank of Nigeria, security agencies and international partners to improve compliance and information-sharing—efforts that contributed to Nigeria’s eventual removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.
“These objective international assessments are inconsistent with any claim that officials championing these reforms were, at the same time, aiding or shielding terror financiers,” he said.
Malami emphasised that routine engagement with a wide range of individuals and institutions is a normal part of governance and should not be misconstrued as criminal association.
He warned that careless reporting on sensitive national security matters can damage reputations and erode public confidence in institutions charged with protecting the country.
“I reject in entirety any insinuation—however couched—that seeks to link me to terrorism financing,” he said. “Such claims are unfair, unfounded and contrary to both my public record and Nigeria’s verifiable institutional reforms.”
Malami reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law and to strengthening Nigeria’s justice and security systems, adding that he reserves the right to seek legal redress for any publication that misrepresents his role or impugns his integrity.
