‘Pure mischief’: Emefiele denies funding terrorism in Nigeria

Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, has denied the allegation of financing terrorism, describing it as mischievous and malicious.

He was reacting to media reports naming him among the alleged financiers of terrorism in Nigeria.

In a statement released on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Emefiele stated that “categorically and unequivocally that this claim is entirely fabricated, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to malign my name, mislead the public, and sow confusion for motives best known only to the publishers and their sponsors.”

According to him, the fight against terrorism is too important to be trivialised by irresponsible reporting, and that Nigerians deserve better than “reckless misinformation”.

He said, “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.

“I have also Never been invited, questioned or investigated on any allegation of terrorism financing. I have also never met or had any interaction with the person who granted that interview.

“There is no scintilla of truth in the allegation, and I insist that the allegation is the product of pure mischief crafted by misguided elements for their despicable motives.

“While I urge the public to disregard the publication in its entirety, I also urge the press to refrain from publishing falsehoods and sensational claims without evidence or due diligence and verification of facts.”

We had also reported that the Former Chief of Army Staff and former Ambassador to the Benin Republic, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd) also denied claims linking him to terrorism financing.

Buratai described the allegation as false and completely contrary to the principles he upheld throughout his military career.