WorldStage– Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has described recent allegations linking him to terrorism financing as “unfounded, misleading, and politically driven.”
Malami stated he has never been investigated for such crimes by any security agency.
He firmly denied ever being accused, invited, questioned, or investigated for terrorism financing by any national or international law enforcement or intelligence agency.
He attributed the claims to political rivals who he says are attempting to damage his reputation with a “coordinated smear campaign”.
Malami pointed out that a retired military officer cited in initial reports had publicly clarified he never directly accused him of terrorism financing, but merely mentioned vague business or institutional relationships that were later taken out of context.
He defended his public service record, noting his role in strengthening Nigeria’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing framework, including the establishment of an independent Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
He argued these efforts helped Nigeria leave the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.
Malami warned against irresponsible media reporting on security matters and mentioned he may pursue legal action against publications that misrepresent his work.
He then rejected media reports alleging that he is being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for terrorism financing and operating 46 bank accounts, dismissing them as politically driven fabrications aimed at damaging his reputation.
