In a strong rebuttal, legal luminary Dr. Monday Ubani has publicly severed any alleged connection with the former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN). The senior lawyer described recent media attempts to link him to a criminal narrative as reckless and malicious.
Ubani's Firm Rejection of Alleged Links
Through his solicitor, Nkem Okoro, Ubani issued a detailed statement on 13 January 2026, vehemently denying any professional, financial, or personal dealings with the embattled former minister. The statement accused a publication of deliberately inserting Ubani's name into a sensational story without providing any facts, documents, or witnesses to substantiate the claims.
"The casual mention of a person’s name in a criminal narrative without particulars does not amount to evidence or public interest disclosure. It is character assassination and an abuse of media space," part of the statement read.
Ubani's legal team emphasized that the publication was not only defamatory but also in direct violation of an existing court order that restrains the writer from making further reputation-damaging publications against the Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
Legal Actions and Courtroom as Proper Forum
The statement disclosed that Ubani's lawyers have activated "robust civil and criminal enforcement processes" against the author. These actions are in response to what they term serial defamatory publications and persistent contemptuous conduct towards the court.
Ubani stressed that if anyone possesses credible evidence against him, the proper avenue for redress is the courtroom. He warned against media trials, open letters, and the unrestrained use of public platforms to smear reputations, insisting that the rule of law must prevail.
EFCC Chairman Clarifies Malami's Charges
In a related development, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has dismissed widespread claims that Abubakar Malami was investigated or charged for terrorism financing. He described such allegations as false and unfounded.
Speaking during a live programme, Olukoyede clarified the anti-graft agency's position. He stated that the EFCC never linked the former AGF to terrorism financing. The charges filed against Malami at the Federal High Court are strictly related to money laundering.
Olukoyede explained that reports suggesting a terrorism financing angle were merely products of speculation and third-party narratives, not originating from any official EFCC communication.
Implications for Anti-Corruption Efforts
These clarifications from both a prominent lawyer and the head of Nigeria's premier anti-corruption agency highlight the sensitive nature of legal and financial reporting. The incidents underscore the importance of:
- Adhering to factual reporting based on evidence.
- Respecting ongoing judicial processes and court orders.
- Using official channels for allegations rather than media sensationalism.
The EFCC's stance reaffirms its focus on its statutory mandate, while Ubani's forceful denial serves as a reminder of the legal repercussions for defamation. Both developments are set against the backdrop of Nigeria's continued fight against corruption and the imperative for accurate public discourse.
