Yahaya Denies Link to Terrorism Financing

A former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya (rtd), has denied claims linking him to individuals involved in financing terrorism, following statements made by Major General Danjuma Ali-Keffi (rtd).

In response to the allegations, the former spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd), in a statement described the claims as “false, malicious and baseless.”

The statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to spurious allegations by Major General Danjuma Ali-Keffi (rtd), claiming to link Lieutenant General (Dr) Faruk Yahaya (rtd) CFR, Zaruman Sokoto, former Chief of Army Staff, to individuals allegedly involved in terrorism financing.

“These claims are entirely false, malicious and baseless. At no point during his distinguished military career, nor before or after his service as Chief of Army Staff, has Lieutenant General (Dr) Faruk Yahaya (rtd) CFR, Zaruman Sokoto, had any direct or indirect association with any person or entity involved in terrorism financing or activities that threaten Nigeria’s national security.

“Regrettably, Major General Danjuma Ali-Keffi appears to be pursuing a personal vendetta, seeking to tarnish General Yahaya’s impeccable reputation based on disciplinary actions lawfully taken during his service. The publications are, therefore, malicious and without factual foundation.

“It is deeply irresponsible that these unverified claims were published without conducting basic fact-checking. The allegations are inconsistent with General Yahaya’s impeccable service record, professional integrity, modest lifestyle, and lifelong commitment to the defence of Nigeria.

“Accordingly, we unequivocally reject and repudiate any attempt to associate Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya (rtd) with terrorism or related activities. 

“We demand that Major General Danjuma Ali-Keffi (rtd) and all parties circulating these false claims immediately retract their statements, correct the misinformation, and cease further dissemination of defamatory content.”