Authorities in Jersey have concluded plans to return more than $9.5 million linked to corruption to the Nigerian government for use on public infrastructure projects.
Gatekeepers News reports that the funds, described as proceeds of tainted property, were traced to the late Sani Abacha, Nigeria’s former military ruler who governed from 1993 until 1998.
The money was recovered during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, but legal processes delayed its return to Nigeria.
In December, Mark Temple, Jersey’s attorney-general, signed a memorandum of understanding with Nigerian authorities to clear the way for the repatriation of the funds, which had been held in a bank account on the island.
Reports indicate that the latest agreement builds on previous asset recovery arrangements between Jersey and Nigeria, which have already resulted in the return of more than $300 million in stolen public funds over the years.
In a judgment delivered in January 2024, Jersey’s Royal Court ruled that the money was “more likely than not” derived from corruption. The court found that contractors diverted public funds for the benefit of senior Nigerian officials and their associates.
Nigeria’s attorney-general and minister of justice, Lateef Fagbemi, said the funds would be used strictly according to the terms of the agreement.
He said, “The successful recovery and repatriation of the forfeited assets underscores the effectiveness of Nigeria’s collaborative efforts with its international partners in ensuring that there is no safe haven for illicitly acquired wealth or assets moved to foreign jurisdictions.”
Fagbemi added that the money would be applied to the final phase of a major highway project described as a vital link between Abuja and one of Nigeria’s largest cities.
Temple also said the move highlights Jersey’s legal capacity to fight corruption, noting that the return demonstrates the strength of its civil forfeiture legislation as a powerful tool in the fight against corruption.
