Authorities in Jersey will repatriate more than $9.5 million (£7 million) linked to “tainted property” to the Nigerian government.

PorscheClassy News understands that the funds were looted by Sani Abacha, former head of state, who ruled Nigeria from 1993 until his death in 1998.

The sum was recovered under ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, but legal proceedings stalled the return to Nigeria.

Mark Temple, attorney-general of Jersey, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Nigeria in December to facilitate the return of the funds, which were held in a bank account on the island.

The BBC reports that the agreement builds on two earlier arrangements between Jersey and Nigeria that led to the repatriation of over $300 million (£230 million) in recovered assets.

In a ruling delivered in January 2024, the Royal Court in Jersey held that the funds were “more likely than not” proceeds of corruption, finding that third-party contractors diverted public funds “for the benefit of senior Nigerian officials and their associates”.

Lateef Fagbemi, Nigeria’s attorney-general and minister of justice, said the recovered assets would be utilised strictly in line with the terms of the MoU.

“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 added that the funds would be channelled towards the final stages of a major highway project that serves as a “vital link” between Abuja and Nigeria’s second-largest city.

Temple said the repatriation demonstrates the effectiveness of Jersey’s legal framework in tackling corruption.

“The return demonstrates the strength of our civil forfeiture legislation as a powerful tool in the fight against corruption,” he said.

The 2023 Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has reiterated his call for a generational shift in Nigeria’s political leadership, saying the country urgently needs new leaders to address its challenges.

Datti made the remarks on Friday during an appearance on Channels Television, where he reflected on his long political journey alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

According to him, Atiku had been contesting for the presidency as far back as when he was serving in the National Youth Service Corps.

“When I was doing my NYSC, Baba Atiku was an aspirant, and in 2018 we contested primaries together,” he said.

He recalled that he again faced Atiku during the 2023 general election.

“In 2023, we contested again. I, as a vice president elsewhere, when his vice president had left him. And for God’s sake, in 2027 again?” Datti said.

The Labour Party chieftain stressed that Nigeria needs a fresh generation of leaders, adding that many capable Nigerians are ready to serve but are discouraged by the country’s political structure.

“There is a need for a new generation of Nigerian leaders, and they do exist. A whole new generation is waiting for a new leader to lead them to a new party,” he said.

He further criticized Nigeria’s political system, describing it as expensive, difficult, and dominated by godfathers.

“There are good Nigerians, people capable of solving Nigeria’s problems, but they are discouraged by the expensive, difficult, treacherous system full of godfathers and bad promises,” he added.

It was earlier reported that Datti dismissed reports suggesting that he had recently declared his intention to contest the presidency, describing such claims as false.

He concluded by saying that many competent Nigerians are waiting for credible leadership to help fix the nation’s problems.

The former vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has dismissed reports suggesting that he recently declared his intention to contest the presidency.

Speaking on Channels Television on Friday, Baba-Ahmed clarified that his comments had been misinterpreted, stressing that no such declaration was made.

“I never declared to contest the presidency two days ago,” he said.

According to him, his recent public remarks were limited to reaffirming his membership of the Labour Party, amid growing political discussions about the future direction of the party and its key figures. He acknowledged that while political possibilities may exist in the future, no announcement or decision has been made at this time.

The clarification comes after widespread media and social media reports claimed that Baba-Ahmed was positioning himself for a presidential run ahead of the next general election. The reports sparked debate among supporters and political observers, many of whom viewed his comments as a signal of ambition.

Explaining further, Baba-Ahmed said, “Two days ago, what I did was simply say that I remain in the Labour Party. I never declared to contest the presidency, even though there could be a possibility of that happening. I certainly did not declare for the presidency. I reiterated my membership of the Labour Party, and that is all.”

He added that any declaration of interest would depend on the Independent National Electoral Commission timetable and the party’s internal processes.

“The submission I made was that one will have to wait for the INEC timetable and for the party to make the call for people to indicate their interest. I did not declare,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed also criticised the role of social media in amplifying misinformation, urging professional media organisations to ensure accuracy.

“It is unfortunate that social media can be so sensational, putting out wrong narratives to emotional listeners. I believe formal media like yours should serve as filters and barriers so that the general public can always consume the correct information,” he said.