In a recent interview with News Central TV, Ibrahim Osinowo sparked controversy when he alleged that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar contributed to Nigeria’s insecurity by funding the militant group Boko Haram.
Screenshot of News Central TV with Ibrahim Osinowo. Source: News Central TV
Dr. Ibrahim Osinowo is a former Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Special Duties and Investment, and a senior member of both the Chartered Institute of Risk Management of Nigeria and the British Institute of Risk Management.
During the widely circulated discussion, Osinowo claimed that “Atiku Abubakar contributed to the insecurity of this country that we are witnessing, allegedly funding the Boko Haram militia group. He spent 15 billion dollars, squandered it, funding a militia group.”
The statement has quickly generated strong reactions across political and social media spaces, with many Nigerians debating the seriousness of the accusation.
What proof exists to support the claim?
So far, no publicly available evidence, court judgment, or official investigation has confirmed Osinowo’s allegations.
There has also been no documented report from Nigerian security agencies, international intelligence bodies, or judicial panels linking Atiku Abubakar to the financing of Boko Haram.
Security analysts emphasise that accusations involving terrorism financing are extremely serious and require verifiable evidence, intelligence reports, or judicial findings before they can be considered credible.
Boko Haram, which began its insurgency in 2009, has been responsible for thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions of people across northeastern Nigeria, particularly in the BAY States of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe.
Because of the gravity of the group’s activities, allegations of support or sponsorship carry significant legal and political implications.
Political observers say that as election cycles approach, public figures often become targets of accusations, rumours, and politically motivated narratives.
For many Nigerians following the debate, the focus has shifted from the allegation itself to the burden of proof.
Without clear evidence, analysts argue that such claims remain unverified allegations rather than established facts.
As the country edges closer to the 2027 elections, the political environment is expected to become increasingly intense, with citizens calling for responsible political discourse, evidence-based claims, and accountability from those making serious accusations.
At this point in time, the presidential hopeful has yet to address the serious allegations raised against him.
