The United States of American and Nigerian Government have collaboratively signed an agreement for the return of $954,000 that was looted by Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, former Bayelsa State Governor.
Mary Beth Leonard, US Ambassador to Nigeria made this known at a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja.
Mary stated frankly that the accumulated millions of dollars was earned through money laundering.
Beatrice Jedy-Agba, Solicitor-General of the Federation, who represented Nigeria at the briefing said President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered that the repatriated loot be used to improve healthcare in 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. 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,” she said.
The former governor was detained in London on charges of corruption in September 2005.
Alamieyeseigha died in October 2015 at the age of 62.
