The United Kingdom said it was set to return to Nigeria, assets worth about 40 million British Pounds (N1.1 billion) looted by the Nigerian public officials who are being investigated and prosecuted in Britain.
Some former governors are being investigated for money laundering in Britain, with the case involving former Delta State Governor, James Onanefe Ibori, being the most prominent, while the stolen money recovered from former Plateau State Governor, Joshua Chibi Dariye, had been returned to Nigeria.
The British High Commissioner, Robert Dewar made this known on Friday in Abuja during a visit to the new Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs Farida Waziri.
A statement issued by James McLaughlin, Second Secretary, Political, to the High Commissioner, reads: �the British High Commissioner met with the newly appointed Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mrs Farida Waziri, on 13 June. Mr Dewar congratulated Mrs Waziri on her appointment and stressed the importance of an independent, credible and effective EFCC for the Nigeria�s fight against corruption and impunity.
�He stressed how important it is for the country�s investment climate, that the momentum of the Nigeria�s campaign against corruption should be maintained, indeed strenghtened. He applauded the EFCC for its work in bringing to account those who broke the law and laundered stolen money, and hoped that this would continue under Mrs Waziri�s leadership.
�Mr Dewar also welcomed the effective working relationship between the British Metropolitan Police and EFCC to tackle corruption and money laundering and said that the UK would continue to work closely with Nigeria in this regard and offer its support. Close and effective co-operation from the Nigerian authorities is very important.
�The UK also wants to successfully return to Nigeria the �40 million pounds of Nigerian assets currently under restraint by courts in the UK, and Nigerian co-operation is vital in bringing that about.�
The United States of America had also during the week pledged its support for the new EFCC boss.