Authorities in Jersey, a British Crown Dependency in the Channel Islands between the United Kingdom and France, are set to return more than $9.5 million (£7 million) in recovered corruption proceeds to the Nigerian government.
The funds will be channelled towards infrastructure projects in Nigeria.
The repatriation follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in December between Mark Temple KC, the Attorney General for Jersey, and the Federal Government of Nigeria. The agreement builds on two previous deals between the two parties that facilitated the return of over $300 million 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 utilised “in line with the terms” of the agreement.
“The successful recovery and repatriation of the forfeited assets underscores the effectiveness of Nigeria’s collaborative efforts with its international partners in ensuring that there is no haven for illicitly acquired wealth or assets moved to foreign jurisdictions,” the BBC quoted Fagbemi as saying.
He added that the money would support the construction of the final stages of a highway linking Abuja and Lagos.
For Temple, the development reflects “the strength of our civil forfeiture legislation as a powerful tool in the fight against corruption.”
In 2024, Jersey’s Royal Court ruled that the funds were “more likely than not” proceeds of corruption, arising from a scheme in which third-party contractors diverted government funds “for the benefit of senior Nigerian officials and their associates.”
The assets were recovered during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, although their return was delayed due to prolonged legal processes.
