The Bailiwick of Jersey, a British Crown Dependency, has finalized an agreement to repatriate more than $9.5 million (£7 million) in recovered corruption proceeds to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The move follows the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by His Majesty’s Attorney General for Jersey, Mark Temple KC, and Nigerian authorities.
Under the terms of the MoU, the returned funds are earmarked for a specific purpose: the completion of the Abuja-Kano Road.
This latest tranche of $9.5 million will be funneled into the final stages of the remaining highway project.
The funds were recovered following a civil forfeiture order granted by the Royal Court of Jersey on January 12, 2024.
The court ruled that the money, held in a Jersey bank account, was "more likely than not" the proceeds of a corrupt scheme.
Investigations revealed that third-party contractors had diverted government monies intended for public use for the benefit of senior Nigerian officials and their associates.
Though the funds were originally identified during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, legal challenges and international asset recovery protocols delayed their return for several years.
A Model for International Cooperation
Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, hailed the repatriation as a victory for the rule of law.
"The successful recovery and repatriation of these forfeited assets underscores the effectiveness of Nigeria’s collaborative efforts with its international partners," Fagbemi said in a statement.
"It ensures that there is no safe haven for illicitly acquired wealth moved to foreign jurisdictions."
Mark Temple KC echoed these sentiments, noting that the return demonstrates the "strength of Jersey’s civil forfeiture legislation as a powerful tool in the fight against corruption."
He praised the Economic Crime and Confiscation Unit for their "unwavering commitment" to the case.
Building on a $300 Million Legacy
This agreement builds on two previous landmark deals between Jersey and Nigeria.
Over the years, the partnership has seen the repatriation of more than $300 million, much of which was linked to the era of the late military dictator Sani Abacha.
The consistent application of these funds to visible infrastructure projects has been cited by international monitors as a positive example of transparent asset repatriation, helping to rebuild public trust in the recovery of stolen national wealth.
