USA repatriates over $20 Million in assets stolen by former Nigerian dictator

The US has returned more than $20 million in money smuggled abroad from Nigeria during the reign of former President General Sani Abacha.
In the statement of the US Department of Justice, it was stated that 20.6 million dollars were returned from the money smuggled abroad during the Abacha period as part of the agreement with the Nigerian government.

Stating that the US extradition to Nigeria is in accordance with the “extradition agreement” between the two countries.

“The confiscated assets represent corruption money laundered during and after the military regime of General Abacha, who became President of Nigeria on 17 November 1993 with a military coup.” said.

On August 23, Nigerian Minister of Justice and Attorney General Abubakar Malami and the US Ambassador to Abuja Mary Leonard signed an agreement to return the money smuggled out of the country during the Abacha era.
In 2020, the US returned to the Nigerian government $ 311.7 million smuggled out of the country during the Abacha era.

Abacha was accused of stealing at least $2 billion from the public during his five-year tenure.
Abacha, who took office in a military coup on November 17, 1993, is known as the country’s most corrupt leader.
Accused of many human rights violations during his rule, Abacha is known as Africa’s “most greedy dictator”.
Abacha died of a heart attack in the presidential palace on June 8, 1998.