Frenzy As Another Abacha Loot Is Released

By Ayodele Oluwafemi

The report that Ireland is to return €5.5 million looted by late head of state, Gen. Sani Abacha has enlivened the Nigerian social media space.

The announcement has been significant in the opinion of many social media commentators as it is claimed that this is not the first time that repatriation of looted funds would be coming at pivotal times when the country is in dire straits.

The Federal Government it was claimed has signed  a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with Ireland for the repatriation of the looted funds, which had been frozen in an Irish bank account since 2014.

Ireland’s Minister of Justice and Equality, Helen McEntee said the MoU was signed sequel to a court order regarding the looted funds.

 McEntee said, “I am very pleased to sign this Memorandum of Understanding between Ireland and Nigeria. This represents the culmination of a long process which began with an internationally led investigation.

“The Criminal Assets Bureau took part in this international operation which led to the freezing of over $1 billion in funds worldwide, of which approximately €5.5 million was identified in a Dublin based bank account.

“The return of these assets will be the first time that Ireland has taken such action and will be a concrete demonstration of Ireland’s commitment to international cooperation in the fight against corruption and to assisting countries which have been adversely affected by corruption in the past, and is in line with our international obligations as a signatory to the UN Convention Against Corruption.”

In May, the Federal Government received the sum of $311.7 million from the United State Government and Bailiwick of Jersey as part of the funds looted by former military dictator.

The humongous amount which was referred to as ‘Abacha Loot 3’ was confirmed by the Attorney General of the Federation.

Many Nigerians have taken the microblogging platform, Twitter to react to the new development of Abacha loot.

Some Twitter users argued that whenever the country is facing economic depression, Abacha loot usually comes as a panacea.

Some Nigerians hilariously commented that Abacha is an ancestor, who sends money for his children from heaven.

GWG gathered the following tweets:

Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us 

 And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG