FG Agrees To Release Names Of Looters
Abubakar Malami, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice[/caption]
The Federal Government on Wednesday agreed to publish names of individuals and corporate bodies who allegedly stole from the country’s treasury coffers.
Speaking after the Federal Executive Council meeting, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami said the government will release the names after all legal concerns had been addressed.
The move followed an order by a federal high court in Lagos to “immediately” publish personal details of those that law enforcement agencies have recovered funds from since President Muhammadu Buhari launched his anti-corruption war shortly after assuming office.
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“The Federal Government has a legally binding obligation to tell Nigerians the names of all suspected looters of the public treasury past and present,” the presiding judge, Hadiza Shagari, said in suit number: FHC/CS/964/2016.
In his response, Malami told State House reporters, “The disclosure will definitely be made, but it is contingent on reconciliation of associated considerations as they relate to subjudice principles.
“Other issues as they relate to reconciliation and confirmation of figures, must also be addressed.
“Once the stated issues have been resolved, the government will commence piecemeal disclosure of the names of the suspects.
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“We have to take into account and consideration, the fact that there are some factors that have to be considered as far as making these disclosures are concerned,” Mr. Malami added.
A breakdown of the recoveries published by the government last year, showed that a total sum of N78,325,354,631.82, $185,119,584.61, £3,508,355.46 and €11, 250 was recovered between May 29, 2015 and May 25, 2016.
Also released were recoveries under interim forfeiture, which were a combination of cash and assets, during the same period: N126,563,481,095.43, $9,090,243,920.15, £2,484,447.55 and €303,399.17.
Anticipated repatriation from foreign countries totaled: $321,316,726.1, £6,900,000 and €11,826.11.
The government also announced that 239 non-cash recoveries were made during the one-year period, which includes farmlands, plots of land, uncompleted buildings, completed buildings, vehicles and maritime vessels.
