A Memorandum of Understanding has been struck by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Bailiwick of Jersey to repay over $9.5 million that has been identified as proceeds of corruption. The money will be used to assist a significant infrastructure project.
In December 2025, Mark Temple KC, His Majesty’s Attorney General for Jersey, signed the Memorandum of Understanding, opening the door for the money to be returned to Nigeria.
The deal was formally confirmed in Abuja on Friday, January 9, 2026, according to a statement sent by the British High Commission through Stephen Odekunle. On January 12, 2024, the Royal Court of Jersey ruled that the money was forfeited.
The court ruled that the money held in a Jersey bank account was “more likely than not” the proceeds of a corrupt scheme in which third-party contractors diverted government funds for the benefit of senior Nigerian officials and their associates.
The application for forfeiture was brought under the Forfeiture of Assets (Civil Proceedings) (Jersey) Law 2018.
Temple said the recovery highlights the effectiveness of Jersey’s anti-corruption framework and cooperation with Nigeria.
“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 recover the proceeds of crime,” He said.
The MoU builds on two previous agreements between Jersey and Nigeria, under which more than $300 million has already been repatriated to support three major infrastructure projects: the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, the Second Niger Bridge and the Abuja–Kano Road.
The first two projects have now been completed.
Under the latest agreement, the $9.5 million forfeited funds will be channelled towards the final stages of the Abuja–Kano Road, a 375-kilometre highway described as a vital transport link between the nation’s capital and its second-largest city.
Nigeria’s Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), welcomed the development, saying it demonstrates Nigeria’s determination to track illicit funds overseas.
“The successful recovery and repatriation of the forfeited assets underscores the effectiveness of Nigeria’s collaborative efforts with its international partners in ensuring that there is no safe haven for illicitly acquired wealth or assets moved to foreign jurisdictions,” Fagbemi said.
He expressed appreciation to Jersey authorities, adding, “On behalf of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I thank the Bailiwick of Jersey for the cooperation accorded Nigeria during the recovery exercise.
“I further assure the Bailiwick of Jersey that the repatriated assets will further be judiciously utilised in line with the terms of the executed Memorandum of Understanding.”
Live with Purpose, Love with Passion. Remember to be happy
One ❤️❤️❤️
Rose Ajieh
