General News
Asset Recovery: US returns $954, 000 Alamieyeseigha Loot to Nigeria
By Admin
The United States of America, USA, has returned the sum of $950, 000, recovered loot of the former Governor of Bayelsa State, late Mr. Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, back to Nigeria.
The United States of America Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs.
Following the asset agreement signing, both countries disclosed that they have agreed to utilize the repatriated funds looted by the former governor to improve the healthcare in Bayelsa state.
The AGF lauded the US government for their efforts in ensuring that looted funds are returned to Nigeria, adding that the country has continued to enjoy favourable consideration from the US, not only in its agreement to return the funds that were looted from the Bayelsa state treasury, but in other pending cases such as Galactica, Blue Assets, Saborne, amongst others.
He said “It is worthy to note that in line with the terms of the Agreement, Mr. President has already approved the expected sum to be utilized for implementation of a Health Center Project for the benefit of the people of Bayelsa state and to be monitored by the Civil Society Organizations and the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Justice.
“You may recall that this asset return arose from the forfeiture and recovery of approximately $1million USD linked to the corrupt practices of former Bayelsa state governor, D. S. P Alamieyeseigha.
“The United States Government, in collaboration with the Federal Republic of Nigeria initiated and completed forfeiture proceedings against certain real property and investment funds located in Maryland and Massachusetts against the former governor which resulted in the net forfeiture to the Government of United States of America totalling the sum of $954, 807.40.
“Following the court order, the FRN and the USA have negotiated and finalized the terms of the asset return agreement.
“I wish to state that Nigeria is in dire need of these funds to support the implementation of more projects for the benefit of Nigeria and its citizens”, The AGF said.
Malami disclosed that the federal government and the US initiated and completed the forfeiture proceedings against certain real property and investment funds located in Maryland and Massachusetts against the former Bayelsa governor which resulted in the net forfeiture to the government of the United state totaling $954,807.4.
On her part, the US ambassador stated that the returned loot should be used to improve healthcare infrastructure in Bayelsa state.
She also disclosed the readiness of the two countries to continue to collaborate toward recovering more stolen assetsas she stressed that her country would continue to deny safe heaven to corrupt public officials.
She added that over 80 corrupt leaders where last year, denied entry into the US.
The Attorney-General of Bayelsa state, Mr. Biriyai Dambo, SAN, was equally present at the official handover ceremony of the recovered loot.