The United States has taken control of more than $480m looted by former military dictator, Gen. Sani Abacha, and his associates after a court ruling, the Justice Department said on Thursday. The money stolen during Abacha’s 1993-1998 de facto presidency and stashed in banks around the world will be returned to the Nigerian government.
“Rather than serve his county, General Abacha used his public office in Nigeria to loot millions of dollars, engaging in brazen acts of kleptocracy,” Assistant Attorney General, Leslie Caldwell, said in the statement.
The US is still seeking control over another four of Abacha-tied investment portfolios in Britain containing $148 million.