The United States and Nigeria signed an agreement on Tuesday, August 23, relating to the return to Abuja of a new tranche of 23 million dollars, coming from the money embezzled by the former Nigerian head of state Sani Abacha. (1993 to 1998), and hidden in several Western countries after passing through the American financial system.
The agreement was initialed by US Ambassador to Nigeria Mary Leonard and Justice Minister Abubakar Malami.
The American diplomat indicated that this financial windfall which will be given to Abuja « will bring the total amount confiscated and returned by the United States to Nigeria, within the framework of this affair, to approximately 334.7 million dollars ».
As a reminder, American justice announced in 2014 that it had legally obtained the right to seize 500 million dollars stolen by Abacha and placed in several Western countries (France, Switzerland, Great Britain, etc.).
The U.S. Department of Justice welcomed the restitution, which « reflects the unwavering commitment of U.S. justice to recover and return the proceeds of corruption laundered through the U.S. financial system. »
The Nigerian authorities assure that the funds to be recovered will be intended for the development of infrastructure in the country.
The NGO Transparency International estimates that nearly $5 billion was the colossal amount embezzled by the military dictatorship of General Sani Abacha, which overthrew the civilian government of interim President Ernest Adegunle Oladeinde Shonekan.
By OMA Newsletter N° 837 of 08/25/2022
Article published under the direction of Dr. Najib Kettani
The OMA, NGO with an Intercontinental vocation
For the development of cultural exchanges
Valuing human potential
The promotion and consolidation of Africa’s development, and
Inter-African integration
