The disclosure by the Attorney-General of the Federation followed an earlier tripartite agreement he signed alongside the representatives of the Swiss government and World Bank for the return by Switzerland to Nigeria the sum of $321m looted by Abacha and members of his family.
Browsing: Mr. Abubakar Malami
“In accordance with the policy on repayment of national assets taken illegally, Switzerland has agreed with Nigeria and the World Bank to return nearly US$321 million for the benefit of the Nigerian people,” the Swiss government said in a statement.
Malami said he would order an immediate investigation and also ensure that all ongoing investigations about the payments and sharing of the accrued revenue to the affected communities are accorded due attention.
Malami said the approval will ensure he executes the agreement that would lead to the repatriation of the fund.
Malami reiterated the resolve of the government to recover more funds, having signed several treaties to facilitate the return of stolen assets.
“As things are now, there is no need for that since the UK government is already investigating her and government will not take any decision that will jeopardise what the UK government is doing,” he said.
The House had, by its resolution in December 2016, ordered the probe after a motion by a member, Mr. Johnson Agbonayinma, alleging evidence of “fraudulent transactions and irregularities” in crude and gas exports within the period under review.
Mr. Adoke prayed the court to declare that his involvement in the negotiation between the Nigerian government and Malabu Oil and Gas Limited, Shell, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Agip in the matter of OPL 245 was in “furtherance of the lawful directive/approval of the president in the exercise of his powers.”
At the weekend, Osinbajo panel assured that in the discharge of its work, it would invite all relevant officials and private individuals who may be connected to both cases. It vowed to obtain and scrutinize documents that may throw some light on the issues raised in both cases.
“After turning up with nothing in Kano, now the EFCC want to conduct another dramatic campaign in Okenne for the cameras, and we are certain that like the previous raids which turned up nothing, no incriminating document or item would be found in the premises in Okenne or anywhere else for that matter because no such document exist.”