UK returns $5.8m stolen by ex-governor to Nigeria

UK returns $5.8m stolen by ex-governor to Nigeria
# 19 May 2021 06:32 (UTC +04:00)

Some $5.8m (£4.2m) recovered by UK agencies that was stolen by a Nigerian former governor and laundered in Britain have now been returned to Nigeria, the Nigerian authorities say, APA reports citing BBC.

Former Delta state Governor James Ibori was convicted of money laundering in the UK in 2012.

Prosecutors say he stole an estimated $165m (£117m) from the oil-rich state.

A Bombardier Challenger jet is among the items listed in court documents for a confiscation order against Ibori.

The £4.2m has been recovered from Ibori's wife, sister and fiduciary agent, who were also convicted of money laundering.

Observers expect more money to be retrieved from Ibori himself.

Nigeria's Attorney General Abubakar Malami hailed the return of the loot as a "demonstration of the recognition of reputation Nigeria earns" for managing recovered money, according to a statement from his spokesperson.

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THE OPERATION IS BEING PERFORMED