Abubakar Malami Denies Claims Linking Him to Terror Financing

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has strongly denied allegations linking him to terrorism financing, describing the claims as “baseless, misleading and politically motivated.”

In a statement issued on Friday, Malami said his attention had been drawn to a publication suggesting that he and several others had connections to individuals described as terror suspects or alleged financiers. He stressed that such insinuations were “unfounded, unfair and contrary to both my record in public office and objective facts.”

Malami stated unequivocally that he had “never at any time been accused, invited, interrogated, investigated or charged by any security, law-enforcement, regulatory or intelligence agency within or outside Nigeria in respect of terrorism financing or any related offence.”

Describing terrorism financing as a grave offence, Malami said any association with it must be based on facts and lawful findings, not speculation or “guilt by association.” He noted that his public record contradicts any such claims, citing reforms he led as Attorney-General, including the creation of an independent Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit and the passage of key anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism laws in 2022. These efforts, he said, contributed to Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law and Nigeria’s international obligations, adding that he reserves the right to seek legal redress over any publication that misrepresents his role in combating money laundering and terrorism financing.