UK's Jersey to repatriate fresh $9.5m Abacha loot to Nigeria

Nigeria will receive $9.5 million (£7 million) in recovered funds from the United Kingdom's Jersey, part of wealth stolen by former military ruler Sani Abacha. The money, described as proceeds of "tainted property," was held in a Jersey bank account and tied up in legal proceedings for several years. Jersey Attorney-General Mark Temple signed a memorandum of understanding with Nigerian authorities in December 2025, enabling the repatriation. This latest agreement builds on earlier arrangements that returned more than $300 million (£230 million) in recovered assets. The funds were first recovered during former President Goodluck Jonathan's administration, but court challenges delayed their return. For Nigeria, this adds to recovered resources that could support infrastructure or social programs. The repatriation raises questions about how recovered loot should be managed—should it fund immediate needs or be saved for future generations?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/01/09/nigeria-to-get-fresh-9-5m-abacha-loot-from-uks-jersey/