The Federal Government on Tuesday offered explanations on why Nigeria was yet to retrieve the country’s $15 million seized in South Africa during Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.
The explanation was offered by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).
Malami, speaking in Abuja at a forum on the activities of his Ministry, said the fund, meant for the purchase of arms, is yet to be retrieved because of diplomatic intricacies and the long process.
He said it was also such hindrances that have accounted for why the government was yet to record appreciable success in its efforts to repatriate looted funds.
He said: “As it relates to the money in South Africa and other countries, my reaction to recovery generally is that it is a process, a process involving mostly nations whose legal systems differ.
“The process in respect of diplomatic consideration equally plays a key role over and above international convention and best practices.
“So, when multiplicity of legal systems is in issue, multiplicity of diplomatic engagement is in contention, delay is naturally bound to set in.
“But one thing I want to state categorically is that the government is doing whatever is possible to ensure the recovery of monies that relate to Nigeria in all jurisdictions and not necessarily limited to South Africa.”
Trending
- Traditional ruler shot dead inside palace
- Primate Ayodele to Yoruba Nation agitators: You can’t break Nigeria
- Police intercept bags of Indian Hemp at Lagos jetty
- Enugu, families to give Ibu, Junior Pope befitting burial
- Police arrest suspects for attempting to disrupt inauguration of commissioners
- Police rescue three children locked up by grandmother + Photo
- Police foil attack in Katsina, neutralise suspected bandit
- US vetoes Palestine’s request for full UN membership