The United Kingdom, through its Crown Dependency of Jersey, has taken a significant step in the global fight against illicit financial flows by signing a new agreement to repatriate over $9.5 million in looted funds to Nigeria. This move underscores a deepening, long-term partnership aimed at denying safe havens for the proceeds of corruption.
Mark Temple, UK Attorney General for Jersey.
By Mark Longyen
Abuja, Jan. 9, 2026 (NAN) – The United Kingdom has solidified its commitment to assisting Nigeria in recovering stolen assets by signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate the return of more than $9.5 million. The agreement, signed in December 2025 by the UK’s Attorney General for Jersey, Mark Temple, represents more than a simple transaction; it is a testament to evolving international legal mechanisms and sustained bilateral cooperation.
This latest MoU builds upon a proven track record. It is the third such agreement between Jersey and Nigeria, following previous pacts under which a staggering over $300 million in recovered assets has already been repatriated. This history is crucial, as it demonstrates a move beyond ad-hoc recoveries to a structured, predictable framework for asset return—a key demand of developing nations seeking reparative justice.
The context of this cooperation is vital. For decades, Nigeria has suffered from the devastating effects of grand corruption, where public funds meant for development were siphoned off and hidden in complex financial networks abroad. The UK, with its global financial centres and Crown Dependencies like Jersey, has faced criticism as a potential haven for such wealth. This partnership directly addresses that legacy, transforming these jurisdictions from perceived safe havens into active partners in recovery.
From Courtroom to Highway: The Journey of Recovered Funds
The process leading to this return is a case study in modern asset recovery. The funds in question were identified as “tainted property” held in a Jersey bank account. On November 29, 2023, the Jersey Attorney General applied for a forfeiture order under the island’s powerful Forfeiture of Assets (Civil Proceedings) (Jersey) Law 2018. This civil, rather than criminal, tool allows authorities to seize assets based on their illicit origin without needing a criminal conviction—a lower burden of proof that is highly effective against complex cross-border corruption.
On January 12, 2024, the Royal Court of Jersey granted the order, finding the funds to be suspicious proceeds of corruption, specifically from a scheme where third-party contractors diverted government monies for the benefit of senior Nigerian officials.
Critically, the MoU ensures these funds are not simply returned to government coffers where they could be misappropriated again. Following a transparent, internationally monitored model established in earlier agreements, the $9.5 million is earmarked for specific, high-impact infrastructure projects:
- The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway (Nigeria’s busiest roadway, vital for economic activity)
- The Second Niger Bridge (a critical link between the country’s eastern and western regions)
- The Abuja-Kano Road (a 375-kilometre highway connecting the capital to the major commercial hub of Kano)
With the first two projects already completed using previously repatriated funds, this new tranche will be channelled toward the completion of the Abuja-Kano Highway. This “project-tied return” model is a global best practice, providing tangible benefits to the populace harmed by the original theft and building public trust in the recovery process.
A Partnership of Principle: Statements from Leadership
The signing officials highlighted the broader significance of the agreement. UK Attorney General for Jersey, Mark Temple, stated: “This successful return demonstrates the strength of our civil forfeiture legislation as a powerful tool in the fight against corruption. I thank the Nigerian authorities for their cooperation and the Economic Crime and Confiscation Unit in my Department for their unwavering commitment to recovering the proceeds of crime.” His words underscore the legal innovation driving these recoveries.
On the Nigerian side, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, emphasized the collaborative victory: “The successful recovery and repatriation of the forfeited assets underscore the effectiveness of Nigeria’s collaborative efforts with its international partners in ensuring that there is no safe haven for illicitly acquired wealth… I further assure the Bailiwick of Jersey that the repatriated assets will be judiciously utilised in line with the terms of the executed Memorandum of Understanding.” This assurance is key to maintaining the international partnerships that make such returns possible.
The Bigger Picture: A Model for Global Accountability
This $9.5 million return, while substantial, is part of a much larger narrative. It signals to corrupt actors worldwide that the global financial system is becoming increasingly hostile to illicit wealth. The consistent use of civil forfeiture, transparent MoUs, and project-tied returns creates a replicable blueprint for other nations seeking to repatriate stolen assets.
For Nigeria, each successful return strengthens governance institutions and provides direct investment in national infrastructure. For the UK and Jersey, it fulfills ethical obligations and enhances their reputations as responsible financial centres committed to the rule of law. Ultimately, this deepening cooperation represents a pragmatic and powerful front in the enduring battle against corruption, turning recovered loot into public good. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
YEN/YEE
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(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)
