Emefiele Denies Terrorism Financing Allegation, Calls Report Malicious and Baseless

Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, has strongly denied claims linking him to terrorism financing. He described the allegation as a dangerous fabrication aimed at tarnishing his reputation.

Emefiele issued a statement on Saturday in response to recent media reports that listed him among individuals accused of supporting terrorism. He said the allegation was false and was deliberately crafted to mislead the public and create confusion.

In a statement dated December 6, 2025, Emefiele said the report was categorically and unequivocally fabricated, baseless and a deliberate attempt to malign his name, mislead the public and sow confusion for motives known only to the publishers and their sponsors.

He criticised what he called reckless journalism, stating that issues involving terrorism are too sensitive to be handled carelessly. According to him, Nigerians deserve factual reporting supported by evidence and not sensational narratives designed to create panic.

Emefiele insisted that he has never had any association with terrorism or terrorist financing during his public service career or his private life. He added that he has never been questioned, invited or investigated by any security agency in connection with such allegations.

He said the following. “Throughout my service to the nation, and even in my private life, I have never 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 over any allegation of terrorism financing. I have never met or had any interaction with the person who granted that interview.”

He described the publication as the work of misguided elements with malicious motives. He urged Nigerians to dismiss it completely.

Emefiele also appealed to the media to uphold professionalism by verifying information before publication, especially on matters capable of causing public tension.

He said the following. “While I urge the public to disregard the publication in its entirety, I also call on the press to refrain from publishing falsehoods and sensational claims without evidence or due diligence in verifying facts.”

As of the time this report was compiled, no security agency has issued a statement confirming or supporting the claim against the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.