Emefiele Denies Terrorism Link, Calls Report “Malicious and Baseless”

A former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, has forcefully refuted an online publication by SaharaReporters alleging that he is among financiers of terrorism in Nigeria—describing the claim as “fabricated, baseless and malicious.”

In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Emefiele said the report was brought to his attention earlier in the day, prompting him to address what he called a deliberate attempt to smear his name and mislead the Nigerian public.

“I state 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,” he said.

The former apex bank chief, who served during a turbulent period marked by economic reforms, currency crises and heightened scrutiny of public institutions, stressed that issues relating to terrorism and national security should never be trivialised by “irresponsible reporting.”

“The fight against terrorism is too important to be trivialised by irresponsible reporting, and Nigerians deserve better than such reckless misinformation,” he said.

He added that at no point during his public service or private life had he engaged in any activity remotely linked to terrorism or actions capable of threatening national peace.

“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,” he said.

Emefiele labelled the allegation as a creation of “misguided elements” bent on stirring mischief.

“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,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to disregard the report entirely and cautioned the media against publishing unverified claims capable of causing public tension or damaging reputations.

“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,” Emefiele stated.

The former CBN Governor’s reaction adds to the growing concerns over misinformation, politically-motivated attacks, and the rising trend of sensational online reporting in Nigeria—issues that continue to shape public discourse and test the boundaries of responsible journalism.