A fresh wave of denials has swept through Nigeria's political and security establishment following a media report that revisited names allegedly connected to terrorism financing. The report, published by Sahara Reporters on December 5, 2025, revisited a 2021 investigation into 23 suspected financiers said to be handling billions of naira linked to convicted Boko Haram members.
Revisiting a Sensitive Probe
The original investigation was reportedly led by retired Major General Danjuma Ali-Keffi. The recent publication noted that, according to the probe, some suspects had business connections with high-profile Nigerians. This list included former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria Godwin Emefiele. The report triggered immediate and forceful rebuttals from several named individuals, who labeled the allegations as fabricated and politically motivated.
Strong Rebuttals from High-Profile Figures
Godwin Emefiele, the former CBN governor, was one of the first to respond. In a statement released on Saturday, December 6, 2025, he categorically denied any involvement. He described the claim as "entirely fabricated, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to malign my name." Emefiele emphasized that the critical fight against terrorism should not be trivialized by what he termed irresponsible reporting, insisting that the public deserves better than "reckless misinformation."
Similarly, Abubakar Malami (SAN), the former Minister of Justice, issued a detailed clarification. He pointed to his record in overseeing Nigeria's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing reforms, including efforts that led to the country's removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. Malami stated unequivocally that he has never been accused, invited, or investigated by any agency for terrorism financing. He argued that the report's framing was misleading and manipulated by political opponents to create damaging insinuations.
Military Veteran Joins in Denial
The former Chief of Army Staff and current Ambassador to Benin Republic, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (rtd), also rejected the insinuations. In a statement signed on his behalf by former Army spokesperson Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman, Buratai stated that any connection to terrorism financing was "entirely fabricated." He stressed that the claim was inconsistent with facts and opposed to his lifelong commitment to defending Nigeria. The statement condemned the allegations as a false and mischievous smear campaign designed to tarnish his hard-earned reputation.
The unified and vehement responses from these prominent figures highlight the sensitive nature of the allegations. Each framed the report not just as an error, but as a deliberate act of malice with underlying political motives, all while underscoring their respective contributions to national security and governance.
