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 assets to the Nigerian government.
The funds, which were forfeited following court proceedings, will be channelled into infrastructure development projects in Nigeria.
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 arrangements between both parties that led to the return of more than $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 utilised strictly in accordance 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 there is no safe haven for illicitly acquired wealth or assets moved to foreign jurisdictions,” Fagbemi said, as quoted by the BBC.
He disclosed that the money would be used to fund the final stages of the Abuja–Lagos highway project.
Jersey’s Attorney General, Mark Temple KC, described the development as a demonstration of “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” the proceeds of a corrupt 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 repatriation was delayed due to prolonged legal proceedings.
