Jersey to Return $9.5 Million Linked to Abacha to Fund Nigerian Infrastructure

Authorities in Jersey have agreed to repatriate over $9.5 million (£7 million) connected to assets misappropriated during the regime of Sani Abacha, Nigeria’s military ruler from 1993 to 1998.

The funds were initially recovered during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, but legal processes delayed their return to Nigeria. In December, Jersey’s attorney-general, Mark Temple, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian government to facilitate the transfer. The money has been held in a Jersey bank account.

This agreement follows two previous arrangements that saw more than $300 million (£230 million) recovered from Abacha-era assets returned to Nigeria.

In a January 2024 ruling, the Royal Court of Jersey determined that the funds were “more likely than not” derived from corruption. The court found that third-party contractors diverted public funds to benefit senior Nigerian officials and their associates.

Nigeria’s attorney-general and minister of justice, Lateef Fagbemi, stated that the repatriated funds will be used exclusively as outlined in the MoU. The money is earmarked for completing a major highway project linking Abuja to Nigeria’s second-largest city.

“The successful recovery and repatriation of these assets highlights the impact of Nigeria’s international cooperation in combating illicit wealth,” Fagbemi said.

Temple emphasized that the return reflects the strength of Jersey’s legal framework in addressing corruption. “This repatriation demonstrates the effectiveness of our civil forfeiture laws as a tool against corruption,” he said.