A former Chief of Army Staff, Farouk Yahaya, has dismissed allegations linking him to people said to be involved in terrorism financing.
The claims were made by retired Maj. Gen. Danjuma Ali-Keffi and published by Sahara Reporters, suggesting Yahaya had ties to suspected terror financiers.
In a statement released on Saturday in Abuja by retired Brig. Gen. Sani Usman, Yahaya described the report as false and without any basis. The statement said, “At no point in his career, before, during, or after serving as Chief of Army Staff, did Lt. Gen. Yahaya have any direct or indirect association with anyone involved in terrorism financing or activities that undermine national security.”
Yahaya said Ali-Keffi was acting out of personal resentment over disciplinary actions taken against him while he was in service. He called the publication malicious and lacking facts.
He also criticised Sahara Reporters for publishing the allegation without proper checks. He said the platform’s action could weaken public trust.
“These allegations run contrary to Gen. Yahaya’s service record, professional integrity, and lifelong commitment to the defence of Nigeria,” the statement said.
The former Army chief demanded that Ali-Keffi, Sahara Reporters, and others sharing the report withdraw it immediately or face legal action.
He insisted he remains committed to Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, saying the country needs “responsibility, patriotism, and truth, not propaganda driven by personal grudges.”
