The United Kingdom is set to return £4.2m (N2.2bn) assets stolen by former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori, and his associates
This was announced on Tuesday by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing in Abuja, at the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria and the government of the UK.
Laing at the signing of the MoU at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Justice said the money was recovered from friends and family members of the former governor.
Laing however warned that the UK will no longer be used as a destination for looters to siphon proceeds of crimes.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, who also spoke at the ceremony, said the recovery of the stolen fund is part of the efforts of the current administration to fight corruption.
He said, “I wish to remark that today’s ceremony and the recoveries attached thereto has again underscored the fact that international cooperation and mutual trust can yield great benefits for the citizenry in developing countries who are the direct victims of acts of corruption.
“Hence, the governments of Nigeria and the United Kingdom have concluded negotiations for the return of £4.2m to Nigeria pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding earlier executed by the two governments in 2016.
“It is to be recalled that the Nigerian government had all along provided the required mutual assistance and backup to the British authorities while the prosecution of James Ibori lasted in London and today, we are rightfully taking benefit of that cooperation.”
Based on the agreement signed, the £4.2million is to be returned two weeks from now.
Ibori, who was Delta State Governor from 1999 to 2007, was convicted by a UK court in 2012 and was sentenced to 13 years in jail after admitting fraud of nearly £50m (N26.3bn), even though prosecutors say the actual amount stolen was about £250m (N131.7bn).
He pleaded guilty to 10 charges of fraud and money-laundering in February 2012 and is the most prominent Nigerian politician to be successfully prosecuted for corruption.
He was released in 2016 after serving a fraction of his term.