Abacha’s loot: Switzerland set to transfer another $300 million to Nigeria – Minister

Hamilton Nwosa
Writer

Ad

Trump Blasts Nigeria Again, Says Govt Doing Nothing on Christian Genocide

By Abiola Olawale United States President Donald Trump has again criticized the Nigerian government, accusing it of failing to act against the alleged mass killings of Christians in the country. ​The US President's comments come after he redesignated Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" (CPC)—a US State Department classification for countries where religious freedom…

Gov Alex Otti Pledges Diplomatic Effort to Secure Nnamdi Kanu’s Freedom

By Obinna Uballa Abia State Governor Alex Otti has assured Nigerians, particularly residents of the South East, that efforts are underway to secure the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu following his life imprisonment for terrorism-related offences by a Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday. In a press statement made available on Saturday, Governor Otti…

Ad

The government of Switzerland is prepared to transfer to the Nigerian government, another $300 million recovered from the family of former military ruler, Sani Abacha, foreign minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, announced Monday.

The money is part of an estimated $5 billion stolen and stashed in foreign accounts by the late dictator.

Nigeria has in the last 10 years received over $1 billion from the Swiss and American governments, but there are growing concerns past administrations misused the huge sum.

PREMIUM TIMES reported in December 2015 how former finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, with the approval of former President Goodluck Jonathan, authorised the diversion of at least N61.4 billion ($300 million and £5.5 million) from funds recovered from Mr. Abacha, to the Office of the National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, few weeks before the 2015 presidential election.

The former minister said the money, which was not approved by the National Assembly, was meant for purchase of military equipment for the fight against Boko Haram.

The money is believed to be part of at least $2.1 billion slush fund later distributed by Mr. Dasuki to politicians ahead of the polls. An ongoing investigation into the scandal as led to the indictment of several high profile figures.

Ad

X whatsapp