Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has publicly responded to a report linking him to terrorism financing, vehemently denying the allegations. In a statement released on Friday, December 5, 2025, Malami labeled the claims as unfounded and driven by political motives.
Malami's Firm Rejection of Allegations
The former justice minister stated that the publication attempted to falsely associate him with individuals described as terror suspects or financiers without any factual basis. He categorically declared that no security or law-enforcement agency, within or outside Nigeria, has ever accused, invited, interrogated, investigated, or charged him in connection with terrorism financing.
Malami further clarified that even the retired military officer cited as the primary source in the report did not directly accuse him of the crime. He argued that the source's vague references to alleged "business" or "institutional" relationships were deliberately distorted and blown out of proportion by the framing of the report.
Highlighting Anti-Terrorism Reforms in Office
To counter the narrative, Malami pointed to significant legal and institutional reforms achieved during his tenure aimed at combating financial crimes and terrorism. He specifically cited:
- The establishment of an independent Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
- The enactment of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
- The enactment of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
He emphasized that these reforms improved coordination among agencies like the NFIU, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and law-enforcement bodies. Malami credited these efforts with contributing to Nigeria's removal from the Financial Action Task Force's grey list.
Call for Responsible Reporting and Legal Threat
Malami warned that associating individuals with grave crimes like terrorism financing through innuendo is dangerous and irresponsible. He urged media organizations to exercise restraint and responsibility when reporting on national security matters, noting that careless reporting can damage reputations and weaken public trust in institutions.
The former minister reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law and stated that he reserves the right to seek legal redress over any publication that misrepresents his role in the fight against terrorism financing.
This statement comes amidst reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had invited Malami for an interview. The invitation was issued in a letter dated November 24, 2025, and signed on behalf of EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede.
