The United States has repatriated close to $53 million in alleged illicit funds linked to Nigeria’s former petroleum minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, and her associates. The funds will be channeled into public services, according to Nigeria's Ministry of Justice.
The recovered funds were reportedly laundered through the U.S. and used to acquire luxury assets, including a 65-meter superyacht, the Galactica Star, and high-end properties in California and New York. Alison-Madueke, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources from 2010 to 2015, has consistently denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
This repatriation marks the first instance of U.S.-linked assets tied to Alison-Madueke being returned to Nigeria. Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, described the recovery as a significant step in Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight during a signing ceremony in Abuja on Friday.
Fagbemi outlined that $50 million of the recovered funds would be allocated to rural electrification projects through the World Bank, while $2.88 million will support the International Institute of Justice’s initiatives to strengthen Nigeria’s legal and anti-corruption systems.
U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, emphasized the importance of accountability, urging the Nigerian Ministry of Justice to ensure transparent and effective use of the funds to improve the lives of citizens.
This latest recovery follows previous asset repatriations. In November 2022, the U.S. returned $20.6 million linked to former military ruler Gen. Sani Abacha, adding to $311.8 million repatriated five years earlier.
Diezani Alison-Madueke, once a key figure in former President Goodluck Jonathan's administration and the first female president of OPEC, remains under investigation in the UK for bribery allegations. The charges include the misuse of funds for luxury goods, private school fees, and cash payments, totaling over $127,000.
As Nigeria continues its fight against corruption, the return of these funds signals international collaboration in ensuring accountability and justice.
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