Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN, has disclosed that the Federal Government has recovered over N5.5 billion looted by former Head of State, General Sani Abacha. He made this disclosure at the 2013 Ministerial Platform on Thursday in Abuja.
According to him, negotiation was still on to recover another N36.7 billion from two of Abacha's associates.
He explained further that the ministry maintained an effective liaison and communication to keep pace with asset recovery, which led to the recovery and repatriation of the sum of UK £22.5 million.
The money had been confiscated by the Royal Court of Jersey from Raj Arjandes Bhojwani, an Indian national and an associate of the late dictator.
Adoke said negotiation with the Principality of Liechtenstein also led to recent confiscation of the sum of Euro 175 million from the Abacha family, after a confiscation order by the Supreme Court of Liechtenstein.
The minister however explained that the Nigeria was yet to recover the confiscated loot as companies involved have appealed against the decision before the European Court of Justice in Strasburg.
Adoke stated that once the appeal is concluded, firm arrangements consistent with the asset recovery provisions of the United Nations convention against corruption would ensure that the forfeited sums are returned to the country.
The minister added that the Ministry is finalising a National Anti-Corruption Strategy, NACS, to fight corruption in the country, as it is the focal ministry under the United Nations Convention against Corruption.
No comments:
Post a Comment
If we don't talk about our celebs, who will? Share your thoughts by commenting.