Written question asked by Tom Brake (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 14 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 18 March 2005. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Friday, 18 March 2005 on behalf of the Treasury.

Treasury

Question: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether funds have been returned to Nigeria from bank accounts in the UK of the late Sani Abacha in the last five years.

Answer: Tom Brake: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether funds have been returned to Nigeria from bank accounts in the UK of the late Sani Abacha in the last five years. [222403] Mr. Timms: The return to Nigeria of any money held in accounts owned by the Abacha family or close associates is dependent on the Nigerian authorities prosecuting individuals for their offences and subsequently, if these individuals are found to be guilty, obtaining a confiscation order against them. An application for enforcement of that order in the UK courts would then be required. I understand that no such confiscation orders have, as yet, been made in Nigeria. In line with the recommendations of the Commission for Africa, UK authorities will continue to deliver a range of technical assistance programmes in partnership with Nigerian authorities in relation to anti-money laundering and mutual legal assistance.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 432 c471W; 222403
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Banks Confiscation orders Proceeds of crime Money laundering Nigeria Abacha, Sani
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk

Treasury

Secondary information

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