Abubakar Malami, minister of justice and attorney-general of the federation (AGF), has tackled those who “wanted to frustrate” the repatriation of $311 million looted by Sani Abacha, the late dictator.

Malami, in a statement on Wednesday, said such persons should “bury their heads in shame” over the successful repatriation.

On Monday, the federal government received the funds from the United States and the Bailiwick of Jersey.

The litigation process for the recovery of the loot, which is part of the $5 billion allegedly stolen by Abacha, commenced in 2014.

Malami also took a jab at those who criticised his use of “Abacha assets” to describe the stolen funds.

“The point needs to be made that when the seal of legitimacy was appended to the funds by way of repatriation it became an asset in favour of the Federal Government as a beneficial owner of same,” he said.

“Beyond the issues of verbal dexterity and vocal acrobatics, Nigerians should focus more on the effective utilisation of the recovered funds in accordance with the content of the signed tripartite agreement in the interest of Nigerians.”

“It is palpable that news about successful return of the looted assets have brought nightmares to nay-sayers and pessimists who wanted to frustrate the repatriation process through a campaign of calumny.

“They resorted to rhetoric instead of burying their heads in shame.”

He described the repatriation as a pointer to the “level of confidence, trust and respect the international community accorded the Buhari-led Federal Government”.

Golan007:
Unpatriotic elements they are.

I have never seen a group of people who would rather outsiders benefit from their own resource than for perceived rivals to manage.

Witchcraft is real.

NairalandSon:


Don't be deceived. That money will be relooted by the present government.

Tookool:
You described a stolen money as "abacha's asset"
Something must be missing in this mallami's head

Goddey18:
It is time to investigate the death of General Sanni Abacha. The man may have been used for money ritual ����

If you care to check the breakdown of loots, oh apology, bailouts, repatriated thus far from him alone anytime Nigeria is 'broke'.

1998 : $750m
2000: $64m
2002: $1.2bn
2003: $160m
2003: $88m
2005: $461m
2006: $44m
2014: $227m
2017: $322m
2019: £211m
2020: $311m

Anytime, Nigeria is in dire need of money, this man must send money from his grave.

Thank God for Saint Sanni Abacha. The dude has been saving Nigeria and Nigerians, sending us money from the great beyond everytime we need such. May his source of fund never dry up. Kudos!.��

ignis:


I still don't seem to understand how a stolen looted money became an asset.

If that money was invested on infrastructure or used to open a company or refinery here in Nigeria many years ago... we would definitely not be here today.

Tookool:

You're smart Ignis, the money was worth so much then.
Will you marry me please?

Peterobi90:



It would surprise you to know that Nigeria received none during the short reign of Yar-adua and once at the tail end of GEJ's reign... yet we had our best president and economies ever those periods..

Sunshineg5:
It will also surprise you to know that Nigeria sold crude oil for over 100 dollars per barrel during the period of Jonathan government. And Nigeria made very little investment in infrastructure during that period.

Peterobi90:



It would surprise you to know that Nigeria received none during the short reign of Yar-adua and once at the tail end of GEJ's reign... yet we had our best president and economies ever those periods..

Peterobi90:


Same Governors actually sued the FG to court to share the ECA savings..

While we enjoyed fuel at N87, do you know the price of subsidy for crude at $100?

Aufbauh:


"Best Presidents ko, worst corrupt Presidents ever ni.

It's the issue the AGF describe as the "level of confidence, trust and respect the international community accorded the Buhari-led Federal Government”.

You don't give children food to the swine.

Sunshineg5:
Fuel was sold at 100 dollars a barrel during Jonathan's government, where are the infrastructures?.Where are the development?

Peterobi90:


Over 400 almajiri schools, and 12 federal universities alone in 5years is good.

100% Minimum wage increase alone provided millions of jobs and growth in various sectors

We hear about (ADB) Adesina all over the globe, that good work started here and Agricultural boom made him recognized..

Not here to praise politicians, but they had better policies.

Peterobi90:


Trust and respect, yet we have a debt of $27bn in 5years with little or nothing to show for it...

They only did it cause they know the debt and borrowings would definitely fall back to them.

It's a case of rather than forgive your debt take your money.

ignis:


Sorry I'm already taken

The litigation process for the recovery of the loot, which is part of the $5 billion allegedly stolen by Abacha, commenced in 2014.