By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has confirmed that the United Kingdom will return about £4.2 million seized from the former Governor of Delta State, Mr James Ibori, and other parties to Nigeria.
This disclosure came from the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami, on Tuesday during the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and the government of the UK on the return and management of stolen assets recovered from the former state governor and his associates.
Speaking at the ceremony, the AG said, “I wish to remark that today’s ceremony and the recoveries attached thereto has again underscored the fact that international cooperation and mutual trust can yield great benefits for the citizenry in developing countries who are the direct victims of acts of corruption.
“Hence, the governments of Nigeria and the United Kingdom have concluded negotiations for the return of £4.2 million to Nigeria pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding earlier executed by the two governments in 2016.
“It is to be recalled that the Nigerian government had all along provided the required mutual assistance and back up to the British authorities while the prosecution of James Ibori lasted in London and today, we are rightfully taking benefit of that cooperation.”
Mr Malami, who also doubles as the Minister of Justice, explained that both the Nigerian and British governments remain cordial towards their fight to combat corruption and illicit financial flows.
He added that they will continue to collaborate so that looters do not find safe haven in their respective territories.
It is expected that the repatriated funds will be deployed towards the completion of the following legacy projects: the Second Niger Bridge, Abuja – Kano expressway and the Lagos – Ibadan expressway under the coordination of the Nigeria Social Investment Authority (NSIA) to ensure the integrity of the process, as established by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
Modupe Gbadeyanka