The Nigerian government, on Tuesday, signed an agreement with the US government for repatriation of $23, 439, 724 that was allegedly looted by the late military head of state, General Sani Abacha.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami represented Nigeria in the signing ceremony while US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard signed for America.
The signing held at the Federal Ministry of Justice Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
After the signing, Malami explained that the decision to return the loot tagged ‘Abacha-5’, was a product of series of negotiations and meetings between Nigeria, the US Department of Justice and the UK National Crime Agency, NCA.
“It is worthy to note that in line with the terms of this agreement, Mr. President had already approved the funds to be utilized for the ongoing Presidential Development Infrastructural Funds, PIDF, projects namely; Abuja-Kano Road, Lagos-Ibadan Express Way and the Second Niger Bridge under the supervision of Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, NSIA.
“The President’s mandate to my office is to ensure that all international recoveries are transparently invested and monitored by civil society organization to compete these three projects within the agreed timeline”, Malami stated.
