U.S. to Return U.S.$23 Million Looted By Abacha to Nigeria

The Nigerian government has signed a new agreement with the U.S. government for the return of over U.S. $23 million looted by the late dictator Sani Abacha.

Justice Minister Abubakar Malami signed on behalf of Nigeria, while the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Mary Leonard signed the agreement on behalf of her government. Malami said the funds to be repatriated "soon" will be spent on infrastructure development.

Abacha, who lived a lavish lifestyle, is reported to have stolen over U.S.$4 billion during his five years in office through his family and allies. In recent years, the Nigerian government has secured the release of part of the loot from several countries including Switzerland and the UK.

This article originally appeared on AllAfrica.

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