Authorities in Jersey, a British Crown Dependency in the Channel Islands, are set to return more than $9.5 million (£7 million) in recovered corruption proceeds to Nigeria.
The funds will be channelled into key infrastructure projects, particularly the final phases of the highway linking Abuja and Lagos.
The repatriation follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in December between Jersey’s Attorney General, Mark Temple KC, and the Nigerian government. The agreement builds on two previous arrangements under which Jersey returned more than $300 million traced to Nigeria and held in bank accounts on the island.
Nigeria’s Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, said the recovered funds would be utilised strictly in line with the terms of the agreement. He described the development as a major boost to Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive.
“The successful recovery and repatriation of the forfeited assets underscores the effectiveness of Nigeria’s collaboration with international partners, and sends a clear message that there is no safe haven for illicitly acquired wealth,” Fagbemi said, according to the BBC.
Jersey’s Attorney General, Mark Temple, said the decision highlights the strength of the island’s civil forfeiture laws, describing them as “a powerful tool in the fight against corruption.”
In 2024, Jersey’s Royal Court ruled that the funds were “more likely than not” proceeds of a corrupt scheme involving third-party contractors who diverted public money for the benefit of senior Nigerian officials and their associates.
Although the money was recovered during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, its return was delayed due to prolonged legal challenges.
