Abacha Loot: SERAP Seek to Get Copy of US government Agreement

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked for a copy of the agreement as the US government prepares to repay the more than $23 million that the late dictator Sani Abacha plundered.

The return of more than $23 million in Abacha money was agreed upon by Nigeria and the US last Tuesday.

Five days after, the rights group wrote a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, asking him to “direct the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), to provide our organisation with a copy of the agreement the Federal Government recently signed with the United States for the repatriation of $23 million stolen by late General Sani Abacha.”

The group said that its demand is supported by the terms of the Freedom of Information Act, the 1999 Constitution, and some international agreements Nigeria is expected to uphold in the letter dated August 27 signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare.

“By the combined reading of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s international obligations, there are transparency obligations imposed on your government to widely publish the agreement on the $23 million Abacha loot,” the letter read in part.

“The Nigerian Constitution, Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s anti-corruption and human rights obligations rest on the principle that citizens should have access to information regarding their government’s activities.”

To lessen vulnerability to corruption and poor management, SERAP argued that the current administration must ensure transparency and accountability in how any repatriated stolen funds are used.

Additionally, it requested information from President Buhari regarding the transparency and accountability measures implemented to ensure that the repatriated funds are not mismanaged, misdirected, or restolen.

“We would therefore be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.

“Publishing a copy of the agreement signed with the US would also promote transparency and accountability in the spending of public funds. Nigerians are entitled to their constitutionally and internationally recognised human right to information.”

“Publishing a copy of the agreement would ensure that persons with public responsibilities are answerable to the people for the performance of their duties, including the management of repatriated loot,” SERAP added.

The group noted that the Freedom of Information Act, Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantee everyone the right to information, including to a copy of the agreement on the repatriated $23 million Abacha loot.

The letter was copied to Mr Abubakar Malami.