FGN
By Olamilekan Abayomi
Jersey is set to return $9.5 million in looted funds to Nigeria, which will be used to complete the Abuja-Kano Road project, a 375-kilometer highway linking Nigeria’s capital to its second-largest city. This agreement is part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in December 2025 between Jersey’s Attorney General, Mark Temple KC, and Nigerian authorities .
The funds were forfeited after a Royal Court of Jersey ruling in January 2024, which deemed the money “more likely than not” the proceeds of a corrupt scheme involving senior Nigerian officials and their associates. This recovery is part of a larger effort between Jersey and Nigeria, having already repatriated over $300 million in stolen assets.
Nigeria’s Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi, welcomed the development, highlighting the country’s collaborative efforts with international partners to combat corruption. He assured that the repatriated assets would be used judiciously, in line with the MoU.
The Abuja-Kano Road project is considered vital for national integration, trade, and economic development. The completion of this project will provide a significant boost to Nigeria’s infrastructure and economy.
Jersey’s Attorney General, Mark Temple KC, praised the effectiveness of Jersey’s anti-corruption framework and cooperation with Nigeria, stating that the return demonstrates the strength of their civil forfeiture legislation This successful recovery underscores Nigeria’s determination to track illicit funds overseas and ensure accountability.
