The United Kingdom has completed arrangements for the return of $9.5 million in recovered proceeds of corruption to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
A statement issued on Friday by the British High Commission in Abuja said the repatriation followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in December 2025 by the Attorney General for Jersey, Mark Temple KC, to formalise the transfer of the funds.
The money, which was forfeited after legal proceedings in Jersey, is expected to be channelled into critical infrastructure development in Nigeria.
According to the statement, the funds were traced to a Jersey bank account and linked to a corrupt scheme in which third-party contractors allegedly diverted public funds for the benefit of senior Nigerian officials and their associates.
The Attorney General for Jersey had, on November 29, 2023, applied to the Royal Court under the Forfeiture of Assets (Civil Proceedings) (Jersey) Law 2018. On January 12, 2024, the court granted a forfeiture order after determining that the assets were more likely than not derived from corrupt activities.
“The Bailiwick of Jersey has signed an MoU with Nigeria to return over $9 million deemed to be the proceeds of corruption. These recovered funds will support critical infrastructure projects in Nigeria,” the statement said.
The agreement builds on earlier cooperation between Jersey and Nigeria that has already led to the repatriation of over $300 million, which was applied to the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, the Second Niger Bridge and the Abuja–Kano Expressway projects.
While the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway and the Second Niger Bridge have been completed, the newly recovered funds will be applied to the final stages of the 375-kilometre Abuja–Kano Road, a major transport corridor linking the nation’s capital to its second-largest city.
Speaking on the development, Mark Temple KC said the recovery demonstrated the effectiveness of Jersey’s civil forfeiture laws in tackling corruption.
“This successful return shows the strength of our forfeiture framework as a tool against corruption. I appreciate the cooperation of the Nigerian authorities and the dedication of our Economic Crime and Confiscation Unit in ensuring that proceeds of crime are recovered,” he said.
Nigeria’s Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), also welcomed the development, describing it as proof of the value of international collaboration in fighting financial crimes.
“The recovery and repatriation of these assets underscore the effectiveness of Nigeria’s partnerships in ensuring there is no safe haven for illicit wealth,” Fagbemi said.
He assured that the funds would be used strictly in line with the terms of the MoU.
“I thank the Bailiwick of Jersey for its cooperation and assure that the repatriated assets will be judiciously applied in accordance with the agreed framework,” he added.
