Amanze Chinonye
Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has strongly denied insinuations linking him to terrorism financing, describing the allegations as baseless, misleading, and politically motivated.
In a statement obtained by Prime Business Africa, Malami said his attention was drawn to a publication that attempted to associate him with persons described as terror suspects. He insisted that at no time during or after his tenure had he ever been accused, invited, interrogated, or investigated by any Nigerian or foreign security, regulatory, or intelligence agency over terrorism financing or related offences.
“To suggest that lawful professional or institutional engagements can, without more, be read as evidence of terrorism financing is both mischievous and unjust,” Malami stated.
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He noted that even the retired military officer cited as the primary source of the publication had “categorically admitted” that he was not accusing Malami or any other individual of financing terrorism. According to the former minister, the comments were sensationalised into misleading headlines that misinformed the public and were seized upon by political opponents to create damaging insinuations.
Malami maintained that his track record in office directly contradicts any suggestion of complicity in terrorism financing. He highlighted several institutional reforms implemented under his leadership to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorism-financing frameworks.
Among these reforms are 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.
Malami said these measures helped strengthen Nigeria’s compliance with global AML/CFT standards and formed part of the progress that contributed to Nigeria’s eventual removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.
“Independent international evaluation of that nature is entirely inconsistent with any suggestion that those leading such reforms were, at the same time, colluding with or protecting terror financiers,” he added.
He also cautioned the media against sensational reporting on sensitive national security issues, warning that careless framing could damage reputations and erode public confidence in state institutions.
Malami concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the rule of law and Nigeria’s security framework, adding that he reserves the right to seek legal redress against any publication that misrepresents his role or impugns his integrity.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
