The UK Government says it will return about £4.2m (N2.2bn) traced to a former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori and his associates to the Nigerian government in the coming weeks.
The UK High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing disclosed this in Abuja, while signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian government for the repatriation of confiscated assets of Ibori.
The British high Commissioner said; “efforts are being made to recover money directly from the former Governor.”
She stressed that money obtained through theft or criminality is not welcome in the UK, and the British government will ensure that the monies are returned to where they belong.
‘’Illicit financial crime is not only associated with Nigeria but a global issue and the United Kingdom is not a safe haven for any financial crime,’’ she said.
The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami said that the Nigerian government has directed that the returned assets be used for the completion of the 2nd Niger bridge, Abuja-Kano expressway and Lagos-Ibadan Highways.
He 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 £4.2m 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 backup to the British authorities while the prosecution of James Ibori lasted in London and today, we are rightfully taking benefit of that cooperation.”
Malami,said he was confident that both the Nigerian and British governments remained committed to combating corruption and illicit financial flows and ensuring that looters do not find comfort or save haven in their respective territories.
James Ibori, a former Governor of Delta State in Southern Nigeria in February 2012 pleaded guilty to offences relating to conspiracy to launder funds from the state, laundering and obtaining money transfer by deception and fraud.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
