Authorities in Jersey, a British Crown Dependency located in the Channel Islands between the United Kingdom and France, have concluded plans to return over $9.5 million (£7 million) in recovered corruption proceeds to the Nigerian government.
The funds are to be deployed in support of key infrastructure projects across Nigeria.
The repatriation follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in December between the Attorney General of Jersey, Mark Temple KC, and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The agreement builds on two earlier asset recovery arrangements between both parties, under which more than $300 million previously held in Jersey bank accounts was returned to Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, said the recovered funds would be utilised strictly in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
He noted that the successful recovery and repatriation of the assets highlight the effectiveness of Nigeria’s collaboration with international partners, stressing that foreign jurisdictions are increasingly closing their doors to illicitly acquired wealth.
According to Fagbemi, the funds will be channelled towards the completion of the final phases of the Abuja–Lagos highway project.
For Jersey’s Attorney General, Mark Temple, the development reflects the strength of the island’s civil forfeiture laws as a potent instrument in the global fight against corruption.
In 2024, Jersey’s Royal Court ruled that the funds were “more likely than not” proceeds of corruption, arising from a scheme in which third-party contractors diverted government funds for the benefit of senior Nigerian officials and their associates.
Although the assets were recovered during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, their return was delayed due to protracted legal proceedings.
