Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has dismissed suggestions linking him to terrorism financing, describing a recent publication making the claim as misleading and unfounded.
In a statement on Friday, Malami said he had never been
accused, questioned or investigated by any Nigerian or foreign security or
regulatory agency over terrorism financing or related offences.
He said the retired military officer cited as
SaharaReporters’ key source did not accuse him of funding terrorism, adding
that the report instead relied on vague claims that some suspects allegedly had
“business or institutional” contact with various individuals. According to
Malami, the framing of the report created false impressions that were later
amplified by political rivals.
“Terrorism financing is a grave crime. Any attempt to
associate someone with it must be based on verifiable facts and lawful
findings, not conjecture or guilt by association,” he said.
Malami argued that his record in office contradicts any
suggestion of complicity, pointing to reforms undertaken during his tenure to
strengthen Nigeria’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing
systems.
He listed measures including the establishment of an
independent Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, the enactment of the Money
Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Terrorism (Prevention
and Prohibition) Act, 2022. He said these reforms contributed to Nigeria’s
eventual removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) “grey list”.
Malami added that routine engagement with a wide range of
individuals is part of public office and should not be construed as evidence of
criminal involvement.
He warned that inaccurate reporting on national security
issues can damage reputations and erode trust in institutions, insisting he
rejects “any insinuation or suggestion” linking him to terrorism financing.
The former minister said he remains committed to the rule of
law and reserves the right to seek redress against publications that
misrepresent his actions or integrity.
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