In the statement of the US Department of Justice, it was stated that 20.6 million dollars were returned from the money smuggled abroad during the Abacha period as part of the agreement with the Nigerian government.
Pointing out that the US’s extradition to Nigeria is in line with the “extradition agreement” between the two countries, the statement said, “The confiscated assets were recovered during and after the military regime of General Abacha, who became President of Nigeria in a military coup on 17 November 1993. represents laundered corruption money.” expression was used.
On August 23, Nigerian Minister of Justice and Attorney General Abubakar Malami and the US Ambassador to Abuja Mary Leonard signed an agreement to return the money smuggled out of the country during the Abacha era.
In 2020, the US returned to the Nigerian government $ 311.7 million smuggled out of the country during the Abacha era.
AFRICA’S MOST GREEDY DICTATOR
A significant part of the money smuggled abroad by the then President General Abacha between 1993-1998 is kept in Western banks.
Abacha was accused of stealing at least $2 billion from the public during his five-year tenure.
Abacha, who took office in a military coup on November 17, 1993, is known as the country’s most corrupt leader.
Accused of many human rights violations during his rule, Abacha is known as Africa’s “most greedy dictator”.
Abacha died of a heart attack in the presidential palace on June 8, 1998. (AA)