BRITISH High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, says ill-gotten money is not welcome in the United Kingdom.
Laing made this known on Tuesday, during the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding between UK and Nigeria for the return of a former governor’s confiscated assets from the UK at the Ministry of Justice.
She said the MoU would see the return of over 4.2million pounds recovered from the associates and family of the ex-Governor to the Nigerian government.
“The return of these assets to Nigeria has been subject to a number of hard fought legal challenges by third parties which were defeated in the UK courts.
”We will ensure the full weight of law enforcement to crack down those who use, move or hide their proceed of crime in the UK,” she said.
Also speaking, Abubakar Malami, SAN, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, said the Federal Government was committed to ensuring the transparent management of all recovered assets.
“The assets returned will support and assist in expediting the construction of three major infrastructure projects across Nigeria.
“The projects are the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Abuja-Kano Road and the Second Niger Bridge that are being executed under the supervision of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority.
“The project will boost economic growth and help alleviate poverty by connecting people and supply chains from the East to the West and to the Northern part of Nigeria,” he noted.
Also speaking, Mr Dayo Apata, SAN, the Solicitor-General of the Federation, while welcoming the guests said the ministry had fully assumed its leadership role in its constitutional duty in the administration of Justice in Nigeria.
“It has led to the formulation of National Strategies/Action Plan for combating corruption.
“Vigorous pursuing repatriation of recovered looted funds/assets in the face of daunting challenges.
“Drafting of Bills to stifle corrupt practices and to bring about an efficient and beneficial management of the proceeds of crime amongst others,” he said.
– NAN
