Reports from Washington DC said in line with expectations, the United States government has agreed to assist Nigeria recover all identified ill-gotten wealth in countries in which they have jurisdiction, including the U.S itself.
The United States will also offer training to judicial staff and prosecutors “in order to place Nigeria in a good position to uncover proceeds of corruption and for improved prosecution of cases of crime.”
Details emerging from the meeting on Monday of the President with the United States Attorney-General Loretta Lynch on the subject of support for the war on corruption in Nigeria indicate that the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty signed between the two countries in 1985 which came into effect in 2003 will be given some teeth.
“There will be collaboration. Each of the two countries will receive legal assistance from the other on criminal matters and that should cover the recovery of ill-gotten wealth. On extradition, we already have a treaty with U.S. By virtue of being a former British colonial territory.
“There is however the possibility that Nigeria might negotiate a new extradition treaty to meet our other requirements. The negotiation will be done under the auspices of a ‘reenergized’ U.S-Nigeria Bi-National Commission” an official statement said.
President Buhari is currently on a four day official visit to Washington DC on the invitation of US President Barack Obama.He has held meetings with Obama ,Joe Biden, the US Vice President and other top officials of US government.Buhari’s entourage includes some state governors and top government officials.
