The Digest:
Authorities in Jersey will return over $9.5 million looted by former Nigerian dictator Sani Abacha to the Nigerian government for infrastructure projects. The repatriation follows a court ruling and a new memorandum of understanding
Key Points:
- The funds were held in a Jersey bank account linked to Abacha.
- A Royal Court ruling in 2024 deemed the assets proceeds of corruption.
- An MoU was signed in December to facilitate the return.
- Nigeria’s Attorney-General said the money will fund a major highway.
- This adds to over $300 million previously recovered from Jersey.
- Jersey’s Attorney-General highlighted the strength of its forfeiture laws.
- The project will link Abuja to Nigeria’s second-largest city.
Recovering stolen wealth is only half the journey; deploying it for the public good completes the cycle.
Sources: The Cable, BBC, Jersey Government Statement
