ANEEJ Welcomes US, Nigeria Agreement to Return $954,807.40 recovered Alamieyeseigha Loot to Bayelsa

ABUJA, NIGERIA. February 16, 2023…. The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ has welcomed the signing of bilateral agreement between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the United States of America for the repatriation of $954,807.40 assets recovered from the former governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha, for the benefit of Bayelsa people.

Executive Director of ANEEJ, the Rev David Ugolor while welcoming the repatriation of the recovered asset, at an agreement signing ceremony today in Abuja said  ANEEJ will work closely with the Federal Ministry of Justice, Bayelsa State government, and the United States Government to monitor the use of the recovered loot to ensure that the poor who are the victims of corruption, get the desired benefit.

“We have worked with the Bayelsa State NGOs Forum (BANGOF) to organize stakeholders meetings in the past where it was decided that the money should be channeled to improving primary health care facilities in the state as enshrined in the UNCAC and Global Forum on Asset Recovery (GFAR) principles. This is against the initial proposal for the building of Judges quarters initially proposed by previous administration in the State. We are glad that effort has yielded the expected result.” Ugolor Stated.

“We commend the Nigerian government through the office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice for the effort to bringing this recovery to reality following many years of court action and negation between the Nigerian government and the US government.”

It could be recalled that the former governor of Bayelsa State, D.S.P Alamieyeseigha and various companies related to him were convicted in Nigeria for related criminal conduct. According to the judgement of the US court, the current assets were forfeited because of corruption, abuse of public office, money laundering and other illegal acts in violation of Nigerian and US law. Both the Nigerian government and the government of Bayelsa State today held a  public engagement to formally announce the  repatriation of the asset.

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