US ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Leonard, has said her country seized funds in response to the late dictator Sani Abacha and his associates’ violation of US laws by laundering assets through the US and into bank accounts in the UK.
Leonard made the statement on Tuesday in Abuja during the signing of the agreement on the sharing, transfer, repatriation, disposition and management of the said asset.
“I am pleased to represent the US government to finalise the agreement for the repatriation of additional assets stolen by former dictator, Sani Abacha and his associates from the Nigerian people,” she said.
“These actions were flagrant breach of the Nigerian people’s trust, but today is the result of an extensive and high level corporation between the US, the UK and Nigeria.
“This agreement is also a kind of collaboration that our government must continue in order to right the wrongs committed under the previous regimes.”
Leonard said this current repatriation will bring the total amount of funds repatriated to the country by the US to more than $334.7 million.
“These proceeds will be transformed into visible and impactful representation of the possibilities of government assets that directly improve the lives of average Nigerians.
“US law enforcement will continue to deny safe havens for corrupt actors and their assets.
“As a partner deeply invested in Nigeria’s success, we will continue to do our part to facilitate the recovery and return of the proceeds of corruption to the Nigerian people,’’ she added.
