On January 9-10, 2026, the UK Crown Dependency of Jersey announced the repatriation of approximately £7 million (equivalent to about $9.5 million) in forfeited assets to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. These funds, identified as proceeds of corruption from the era of Nigeria’s late military ruler General Sani Abacha (1993-1998), mark the third major recovery agreement between the two jurisdictions. The assets will support infrastructure development, specifically the completion of the Abuja-Kano highway, underscoring international cooperation in combating illicit financial flows.
During Abacha’s regime, an estimated billion dollars were allegedly looted from Nigeria’s public coffers and laundered abroad through complex schemes involving third-party contractors and intermediaries. The funds in question were held in a Jersey bank account and frozen as part of anti-corruption probes. In January 2024, Jersey’s Royal Court ruled that the assets were “more likely than not” derived from corrupt activities, enabling their civil forfeiture. This repatriation builds on prior returns: In 2020 and earlier, Jersey repatriated over $300 million (£230 million) to Nigeria, which funded projects such as the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the Second Niger Bridge.
Jersey, a self-governing British Crown Dependency in the English Channel under UK sovereignty but with independent laws, has positioned itself as a key player in global asset recovery efforts. Nigeria, under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has prioritized reclaiming stolen assets to bolster economic development amid ongoing challenges like infrastructure deficits and security issues.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in December 2025 by:
– Jersey’s Attorney General: His Majesty’s Attorney General Mark Temple KC, who highlighted the effectiveness of Jersey’s civil forfeiture laws in fighting corruption.
– Nigeria’s Attorney General: Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Minister of Justice, who emphasized the collaborative nature of the recovery and Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring no safe havens for illicit wealth.
The agreement ensures the transparent transfer of the funds, with strict conditions on their utilization. The process aligns with international standards, including those from the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), and reflects Jersey’s zero-tolerance policy toward tainted assets.
The repatriated sum will be allocated to the final phases of the 375 km Abuja-Kano highway project, a vital artery connecting Nigeria’s political capital (Abuja) to its commercial hub in the north (Kano). This infrastructure initiative aims to enhance transportation, trade, and economic growth in the region. Nigerian officials have assured that the funds will be monitored for accountability, addressing public concerns about potential misuse amid monumental corruption scandals.
Public reactions on platforms like social media have been mixed, with praise for the recovery but calls for vigilant oversight to ensure the funds benefit ordinary Nigerians.
This repatriation is a positive step in Nigeria’s asset recovery campaign, potentially inspiring similar actions from other jurisdictions holding Abacha-era funds. It highlights the importance of international partnerships in addressing corruption legacy. However, sustained transparency and effective project execution will be crucial to maintain public trust and maximize developmental impact.
