The Federal Government of Nigeria and the United States have sealed an agreement to reinstate $954,000 allegedly stolen by a former governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.
The signing of the agreement was done Thursday in Abuja, by Mary Leonard, the US Ambassador, Beatrice Jedy-Agba, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice.
The solicitor-general said the funds have been approved for the construction of a healthcare centre for the residents of Bayelsa state.
“This asset return arose from the forfeiture and recovery of approximately $1 million USD linked to the corrupt practices of former Bayelsa state governor, D.S.P Alamieyeseigha,” she said.
“The United States government, in collaboration with the Federal Republic of Nigeria initiated and completed forfeiture proceedings against certain real property and investment funds located in Maryland and Massachusetts against the former governor which resulted in the net forfeiture to the Government of United States of America totalling the sum of $954,807.40.
“Following the court order, the FRN and the USA have negotiated and finalized the terms of the asset return agreement.
“It is worthy to note that in line with the terms of this agreement, Mr President has already approved the expected sum to be utilised for the implementation of a health centre project for the benefit of the people of Bayelsa state and to be monitored by the civil society organisations and the federal government, through the federal ministry of justice.”
Details Shortly…