By Ken Chiwendu
The United States has signed an agreement with Nigerian authorities to return N52.88m illicit funds recovered from Diezani Allison – Madueke,a former Minister of Petroleum Affairs and her associates.
The measure is part of efforts by the current administration to repatriate looted funds stashed abroad and end corruption which has hampered development
In line with the administration’s intolerance for corruption, the ministry of justice says the UN and international agencies on transparency will be involved in monitoring expenditure on the recovered funds.
The development comes as the former Minister battles with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC over asset forfeiture.
The EFCC had dragged the former minister and associates to court and got forfeiture orders.
But, Allison – Madueke, through her counsel, Mike Ozekhome SAN requested to set aside the EFCC order for the sale of her illicit assets.
In a suit filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja,Allison – Madueke argued that the orders for the forfeiture of her assets were made without jurisdiction claiming she was not given a fair hearing.
Justice Inyang Ekwo in November,2024,adjourned the suit against the EFCC to February 17,2025.
