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 Lagos State House of Assembly has approved a total budget of ₦4,444,509,776,438 (Four Trillion, Four hundred and Forty Four Billion, Five Hundred and Nine Million, Seven Hundred and Seventy-Six Thousand, Four Hundred and Thirty Eight naira) for the 2026 fiscal year.

The approval was granted during a plenary session held on Thursday, January 8, following the presentation of a comprehensive report by the Chairman of the House Committee on Economic Planning and Budget, Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh.

The session, presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa saw lawmakers adopt the report through a voice vote, signaling unanimous support for the financial plan aimed at driving sustainable development across the state.

The 2026 budget prioritizes infrastructure development, education, healthcare, economic growth, and social welfare, with over 52% allocated to capital projects. This strategic allocation underscores the government’s commitment to inclusive growth and improved quality of life for residents of Lagos State.

Following the passage, Speaker Obasa directed the Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to transmit a clean copy of the approved bill to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for assent. The Speaker commended members of the Assembly for their diligence and collaborative efforts in ensuring the timely passage of the budget.

It will be recalled that Governor Sanwo-Olu had presented a budget proposal of ₦4.23 trillion to the House on November 25, 2025, which he termed ‘Budget of Shared Prosperity.”

The governor declared then that the budget reflects Lagos State’s vision to strengthen its position as a leading economic hub in Africa through robust investments in critical sectors that foster growth, innovation, and social progress.

Renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, have lost one of their twin sons, Nkanu Nnamdi.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by Omawumi Ogbe, on behalf of the family, the 21-month-old baby passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, after a brief illness.

The statement said the family is devastated by the loss and requested that their privacy be respected during this difficult time.

The statement reads, “We’re deeply saddened to confirm the passing of one of Ms Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr Ivara Esege’s twin boys, Nkanu Nnamdi, who passed on Wednesday, 7th of January 2026, after a brief illness. He was 21 months old.

“The family is devastated by this profound loss, and we request that their privacy be respected during this incredibly difficult time.

“We ask for your grace and prayers as they mourn in private.

“No further statements will be made, and we thank the public and the media for respecting their need for seclusion during this period of immense grief.”