Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, has strongly denied allegations linking him to terrorism financing, calling the claims malicious and baseless.
Reacting to media reports that listed him among alleged financiers of terrorism in Nigeria, Emefiele released a statement on Saturday, December 6, 2025, asserting that the accusations are “completely fabricated, unfounded, and intended to tarnish my reputation, mislead the public, and create confusion for motives known only to the publishers and their sponsors.”
He emphasized that the fight against terrorism is a serious matter that should not be undermined by irresponsible reporting. Nigerians, he said, deserve accurate information, not “reckless misinformation.”
“Throughout my tenure in public service and in my private life, I have never engaged in any activity connected to terrorism, the financing of terrorism, or any acts that threaten the peace and security of our nation,” Emefiele stated.
He added, “I have never been invited, questioned, or investigated over any allegation of terrorism financing. I have never met or interacted with the individual who gave the interview cited in these reports. There is no truth in these claims, which are the product of pure mischief by misguided elements with selfish motives.”
Emefiele urged the public to disregard the reports and called on the press to exercise caution, insisting on verifying facts before publishing sensational or unsubstantiated claims.
Earlier reports also noted that former Chief of Army Staff and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Benin Republic, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), had similarly denied allegations of financing terrorism, describing them as false and inconsistent with the principles he upheld throughout his military career.
