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 publications suggesting that he and others were connected to individuals described as terror suspects or alleged financiers. He stressed that such insinuations are “unfounded, unfair, and contrary to both my record in public office and objective facts.”
Malami emphasized that he has “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 insisted that any association with it must be based on facts and lawful findings, not speculation or “guilt by association.” He highlighted his public record, noting 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—efforts that 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, and added that he reserves the right to seek legal redress against any publication that misrepresents his role in combating money laundering and terrorism financing.
