Malami described the allegations as false, baseless, and politically motivated, insisting that no security or intelligence body has ever questioned him on such matters.
In a detailed statement issued on Friday, December 5, the former minister said the report attempted to connect him to individuals labelled as terror suspects without presenting any factual or legal evidence.
In a detailed statement issued on Friday, December 5, the former minister said the report attempted to connect him to individuals labelled as terror suspects without presenting any factual or legal evidence.
He called the story a deliberate effort to mislead the Nigerian public, damage his reputation, and create suspicion around his service in government.
According to Malami, the entire allegation is built on a misleading narrative. He explained that even the retired military officer quoted as the main source of the story did not directly accuse him or any named individuals of financing terrorism.
According to Malami, the entire allegation is built on a misleading narrative. He explained that even the retired military officer quoted as the main source of the story did not directly accuse him or any named individuals of financing terrorism.
The source only made vague comments about institutional or business interactions, which, according to Malami, were exaggerated by the publication to fit a political agenda.
Malami condemned the framing of the report, saying it was designed to create false impressions and fuel negative reactions from the public.
Malami condemned the framing of the report, saying it was designed to create false impressions and fuel negative reactions from the public.
He noted that the headline alone was enough to trigger outrage, despite the lack of credible evidence in the body of the story.
He argued that such sensational reporting not only harms individuals but also weakens public trust in key national institutions.
The former minister stressed that terrorism financing is a serious crime, and no one should be associated with it through speculation or political manipulation.
The former minister stressed that terrorism financing is a serious crime, and no one should be associated with it through speculation or political manipulation.
He insisted that any claim on such a sensitive issue must be grounded in verified facts, lawful investigations, and clear findings—not rumours or innuendo.
To counter the false claims, Malami highlighted major reforms he championed during his time as Attorney-General.
To counter the false claims, Malami highlighted major reforms he championed during his time as Attorney-General.
He pointed to the establishment of an independent Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), as well as the signing of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
According to him, these legal reforms strengthened inter-agency cooperation and helped Nigeria improve its global compliance ratings, leading to the country’s eventual removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.
Malami further explained that public officials regularly interact with various individuals as part of their duties.
Malami further explained that public officials regularly interact with various individuals as part of their duties.
He warned that twisting such interactions into evidence of crime is dangerous and irresponsible, especially in matters affecting national security.
He also called on media organisations to demonstrate greater responsibility when reporting on sensitive security matters.
He also called on media organisations to demonstrate greater responsibility when reporting on sensitive security matters.
According to him, careless or politically influenced reporting can damage innocent people and ultimately hinder the fight against terrorism.
Malami reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law and Nigeria’s obligations in combating terrorism.
Malami reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law and Nigeria’s obligations in combating terrorism.
He added that he remains open to legal action against anyone or any organisation that publishes misleading information about his role in government.
Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently invited Malami for an interview at its headquarters in Abuja in a letter dated November 24.
Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently invited Malami for an interview at its headquarters in Abuja in a letter dated November 24.
The nature of the invitation has not yet been made public.
0 Comments