Authorities in Jersey, a British Crown Dependency in the Channel Islands, are set to repatriate more than $9.5 million (£7 million) to the Nigerian government, marking another milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing recovery of illicit funds stashed abroad.
The money will be channelled into critical infrastructure, specifically the final stages of the highway linking Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria’s political and commercial capitals.
The repatriation follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in December between Jersey’s Attorney General, Mark Temple KC, and the Federal Government of Nigeria. The agreement builds on two previous asset recovery deals between both parties that led to the return of over $300 million previously held in bank accounts on the island.
Nigeria’s Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, said the funds would be deployed strictly in line with the terms of the agreement. He described the recovery as evidence of the growing effectiveness of Nigeria’s collaboration with international partners in tackling corruption.
“The successful recovery and repatriation of the forfeited assets underscores the effectiveness of Nigeria’s collaborative efforts with its international partners in ensuring there is no safe haven for illicitly acquired wealth,” Fagbemi said.
Jersey’s Attorney General, Mark Temple KC, said the case highlighted the strength of the island’s civil forfeiture laws as a key weapon in the global fight against corruption.
In 2024, Jersey’s Royal Court ruled that the funds were “more likely than not” proceeds of corruption, involving third-party contractors diverting government funds for the benefit of senior Nigerian officials and their associates.
Although the money was recovered during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, its return to Nigeria was delayed for years due to prolonged legal proceedings.
