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International anti-corruption campaigners have welcomed a decision by Jersey’s Royal Court to seize nearly $9m siphoned off and stashed in the island by corrupt Nigerian officials from funds meant to be used to fight Islamist militants.
Initially transferred to the island in 2014, the funds were part of a larger embezzlement operation diverting government funds allocated for arms and aviation equipment to combat Boko Haram.
Initially transferred to the island in 2014, the funds were part of a larger embezzlement operation diverting government funds allocated for arms and aviation equipment to combat Boko Haram.
Jersey's Law Officers' Department disclosed last week that a significant portion of the funds, designated for arms deals from 2009 to 2015, were funnelled through foreign bank accounts and shell companies linked to the former ruling party. The money was later distributed among its members and family associates.
Pictured: The Royal Court ordered a seizure.
Following what was described as a "complex" and "long-running" international investigation, Attorney General Mark Temple KC initiated legal proceedings, serving a forfeiture notice under the Forfeiture of Assets (Civil Proceedings) (Jersey) Law 2018 last November.
The Royal Court approved the forfeiture this month, and the recovered funds are set to be returned to Nigeria.
The move was warmly received by Transparency International’s Defence and Security branch.
“We welcome the Royal Court’s decision to seize these misappropriated funds and begin the process of returning them to the people of Nigeria,” Josie Stewart, Head of Transparency International Defence and Security, said.
“This money, rather than supporting the security forces fighting Boko Haram, was diverted to enrich the country’s ruling class."
Pictured: Attorney General Mark Temple KC.
She continued: “This case underscores the pervasive risks of corruption in the defence sector, where the secrecy and complexity inherent in international arms deals, coupled with the large amounts of money at stake, create an environment ripe for abuse of office.
“It is incumbent on the Jersey authorities to return these funds openly and accountably to avoid them being stolen again. The successful return of these assets to the people of Nigeria will not only serve justice but also highlight the critical need for greater transparency in the global arms trade.”
Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of CISLAC/Transparency International Nigeria, added: “While we wholeheartedly welcome the decision, we are hopeful that when repatriated, the funds will be judiciously utilised in improving the living standards of common Nigerians.
“We find it disturbing that money, rather than supporting the security forces fighting Boko Haram, was diverted to enrich the country’s ruling class.
“We on this note call on Nigerian Government to strengthen the procurement process in the defence and security sector through enhanced transparency and accountability, regular review as well as independent auditing.
“We also call on relevant legislative Committees in the National Assembly and Civil Society to galvanise external oversight of the Defence and Security through regular tracking and scrutiny of budgetary allocation, appropriation, implementation and procurement activities.”
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