According to Ali, two suspects had ties to a former Chief of Army Staff
Retired Major General Danjuma Ali has made explosive revelations alleging that several terror-financing suspects arrested during his tenure were linked to powerful former Nigerian officials, including a former Attorney-General of the Federation, former military chiefs, and a former Central Bank governor.
Ali, who once headed the multi-agency investigation known as Operation Service Wide (OSW), said the probe uncovered financial and business ties between the suspects and influential Nigerians. He stressed that the former officials were not directly accused of terrorism, but were linked through business dealings and connections the suspects allegedly used as cover.
According to him, two suspects had ties to a former Chief of Army Staff, while two others were connected to a former AGF. Another suspect was linked to a former CBN governor through financial transactions. OSW further identified several bureau-de-change networks believed to be channels for illicit fund movements.
The retired general said the investigation also uncovered an offshore account belonging to an international suspect holding about $600 million, which was later frozen by U.S. authorities. He claimed the suspect attempted to offer a $50 million bribe to clear the funds, but the team declined.
Ali alleged that shortly after submitting his findings to then-President Muhammadu Buhari in 2021, he was detained for 64 days without charges and subsequently forced into retirement. He further claimed that instead of being prosecuted for terrorism financing, many of the suspects were quietly released and instructed not to speak publicly.
He insisted the investigation had identified 48 detained suspects and a broader watchlist of more than 400 individuals, including high-profile terror leaders, but said the operation was abruptly halted.
Ali-Keffi is now calling for the government to reopen the case, ensure transparent prosecution, and protect investigators from political interference.
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