U.S. raises hope for return of $500m Abacha loot

• Embassy to transmit letter to President Trump
•  NGOs seek transparency on recovered funds

The Guardian NG>>> Efforts to recover some $500 million worth of United States-based proceeds of corruption traced to Nigeria’s former Head of State, the late General Sani Abacha have taken a positive turn. The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria yesterday, in an electronic mail exchange with The Guardian confirmed it would transmit to President Donald Trump, a letter from the Socio-economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) requesting the administration to release the assets to Nigeria.

Patience Jonathan sues SERAP over alleged ‘vilification, breach of human rights’

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has been sued over alleged “campaign of calumny against Mrs Dame Patience Jonathan using online, print and electronic media to publish to the public unfounded and malicious allegations that she stole $15m (US) and ought to be prosecuted.” 

In a statement dated 20 October 2016 and signed by SERAP executive director Adetokunbo Mumuni the organization said, “On 18th October 2016 at about 3pm we received court papers dated 6th October 2016 from a bailiff.