U.S. Returns $52.88 Million in Seized Assets to Nigeria Linked to Former Oil Minister
DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — The United States has returned $52.88 million in seized assets to Nigeria as part of an ongoing corruption investigation against former oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke and her associates. The announcement was made in a joint statement from Nigeria’s Minister of Justice and the U.S. government on Friday.
This marks the first repatriation of assets linked to Alison-Madueke, who served as Nigeria’s oil minister from 2010 to 2015. During her tenure, she gained prominence as a powerful figure under former President Goodluck Jonathan, even becoming the first female president of OPEC.
The seized assets, including a superyacht and prime real estate in New York and California, were confiscated in 2023 during Alison-Madueke’s trial.
Out of the returned funds, $50 million will be allocated to rural electrification programs in Nigeria. The remaining $2.88 million will be provided as a grant to the International Institute for Justice, aimed at supporting rule of law initiatives and counterterrorism operations.
Alison-Madueke was accused of embezzling millions of dollars in public funds during her time in office. While she has denied any wrongdoing, Nigerian authorities have seized assets, including houses, cars, and jewelry, which they claim were linked to corruption.
The repatriation represents a significant step in Nigeria’s effort to combat corruption and recover assets looted by former officials.