Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has issued a strong rebuttal against reports linking him to the financing of terrorism activities within the country. The 64-year-old former bank chief labeled the allegations as "mischievous, malicious, and entirely fabricated."
Emefiele's Firm Rejection of the Allegations
In an official statement released on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Emefiele addressed the media reports that had named him among alleged financiers of terrorism. He stated categorically that the claim was a deliberate attempt to damage his reputation and mislead the Nigerian public.
"Throughout my service to the nation or even in my private life, at no time have I been involved in any activity remotely connected to terrorism, terrorist financing, or any action that threatens the peace and security of our nation," Emefiele declared.
He further emphasized that he has never been invited, questioned, or investigated by any security agency over such grave allegations. The former CBN governor also distanced himself from the source of the reports, stating he has never met or interacted with the individual who granted the interview leading to the claims.
Context and Calls for Media Responsibility
Emefiele's reaction places him among other high-profile Nigerians who have recently had to deny similar serious accusations. The statement urged the public to completely disregard the publication and called on the press to exercise greater responsibility.
He implored media houses to refrain from publishing sensational claims without concrete evidence, suggesting that such actions are intended to sow confusion for motives known only to the publishers and their sponsors.
Broader Landscape of Terrorism Financing Allegations
This incident occurs against a backdrop of increasing public and governmental focus on identifying the backers of insecurity in Nigeria. Recall that former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, had similarly dismissed terror financing claims against him as baseless and politically motivated.
Meanwhile, the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government has indicated its intention to soon name and expose individuals and entities funding terrorism across the country. Presidential aide Daniel Bwala recently assured Nigerians that domestic efforts have intensified, with the identities of terror sponsors expected to be made public in the coming days.
The National Assembly has also added its voice, demanding the naming and prosecution of terrorism financiers as a crucial step in addressing the rampant attacks and killings plaguing several regions.
