Fresh twist as Court orders Buhari govt, others to account for $5bn Abacha loot

LEGIT NG

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled in favour of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), ordering the government of President Bola Tinubu to disclose the spending details of approximately $5 billion Abacha loot.

The court further demanded transparency regarding the exact amount of money stolen by General Sani Abacha from Nigeria, the total amount of Abacha loot recovered, and all agreements made by former presidents Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, Jonathan, and Buhari, Channels TV reported.

The judgment, delivered by Justice James Kolawole Omotosho, granted SERAP’s Freedom of Information suit and directed the Ministry of Finance to provide the requested information within seven days, Daily Trust also stated.

“I therefore hold that SERAP is entitled to the information on the spending details of about $5bn Abacha loot, and need not show any special interest in the information sought,” the judge held.

Demand for transparency in Abacha loot recovery

Legit.ng notes that the court’s decision marks a significant step towards promoting accountability and transparency in the recovery and utilisation of the Abacha loot.