By kawaekwune Jeffrey
The Federal Government of Nigeria has called on the United Kingdom and other foreign nations to assist in providing intelligence on the assets of corrupt Nigerian politicians held abroad. This appeal was made by the Special Assistant to the President on Financial Crimes and Public Prosecution Compliance, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), during a Cambridge International Symposium on Economic Crimes in the UK, which ended on September 8.
It would be recalled that Oyedepo, representing the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), emphasized the Federal government’s readiness to collaborate diplomatically with other countries to recover Nigeria’s stolen wealth. He noted that much of the illicitly acquired funds from corruption are being transferred abroad and used to acquire properties globally.
He stated: “When you see assets from someone who is politically exposed, and if you cannot commence the process of recovery in your country, you can transfer such information to us, and we will work together diplomatically.”
It would be recalled that Nigeria has established legal frameworks, including conviction-based and non-conviction-based forfeiture proceedings, which have been instrumental in tracing and recovering unlawfully acquired assets. Oyedepo cited significant recoveries, such as $44 million in cash from an apartment, $40 million worth of jewelry from a former petroleum minister, and several other properties.
This call for international cooperation highlights Nigeria’s determination to recover monies stolen from its commonwealth and prevent corrupt politicians from stashing illicit wealth abroad.
