The loot of late dictator General Sani Abacha still
remain in parts in several states around the world,
despite the fact that Nigeria has already recovered over
$1 billion. The new sum expected is about N88.7
billion.
State of Jersey, the biggest territory in the Channels
Island, is set to return £315 million Abacha loot to
Nigeria. The Island state had previously been returned
to Nigeria in two tranches £140 million of the loot.
Micheal Birt, the Ballif of Jersey, disclosed this at a
dinner in honour of Dr Dalhatu Tafida, Nigerian High
Commissioner to the UK during a state visit to the
Island.
Birt, who doubles as the Island’s Civic Head of State
and ceremonial head, is the highest ranking official in
the Jersey order of precedence.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the
money was laundered on behalf of Abacha by Mr Raj
Bhojwani, an Indian businessman, who is currently
serving an eight-year sentence in a UK prison.
Birt said that the decision of the State to return the
loot was in line with ongoing campaign against money
laundering. The Island is known globally for its
transparent banking services, but the perception that it
is safe for money laundering is building up.
“We have done a lot to clean up the image of the
Island as a safe haven for stolen wealth. What we have
in place is a transparent and legal finance heaven
where only legal funds can be deposited and accessed
by investors.”
Tafida commended Birt for the Island’s transparent
banking sector, and informed them of government’s
commitment to fighting corruption and strengthening
its anti-graft agencies.
He also emphasized Nigeria’s impressive economic
growth and high return on investment rate.
“The array of investment opportunities that abound in
the country and generous incentives available to
investors in all sectors of the economy, has continued
to make it a global investment destination,” Tafida
said.
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