Nigeria has achieved a significant legal victory as a United States court ordered the release of over $6 million in funds seized in connection to an arms deal that dates back to 2014.
The decision brings an end to a prolonged legal battle over the money, which was initially frozen by the US government due to alleged violations of its Arms Export Control Act.
The ruling, delivered by Judge Jennifer Thurston of the US District Court for Eastern California on December 23, 2024, directs the US Customs and Border Protection to release the funds, along with accrued interest, to the Nigerian government within 60 days.
The $6.02 million, intended for the purchase of military equipment to combat the Boko Haram insurgency, was paid to Dolarian Capital Inc. (DCI), a US-based arms broking firm, in 2014.
However, the deal faltered when the US denied DCI’s application for an arms export license, citing violations of export laws.
The US government seized the funds, deeming them the proceeds of illegal activity.
Further complications arose as investigations uncovered irregularities in Nigeria’s arms procurement processes, including the involvement of an intermediary, Hima Aboubakar, who secured controversial defense contracts.
The Nigerian government’s funds remained frozen for nearly a decade as legal proceedings unfolded in the US.
In 2021, Nigeria enlisted the services of US-based lawyer Jovi Usude to pursue the recovery of the funds.
After years of legal negotiations and filings, the Nigerian government formally petitioned the court in June 2023, asserting its superior claim to the funds.
The US government initially resisted Nigeria’s claim but ultimately conceded in December 2024.
A court filing signed by Assistant US Attorney Kevin Khasigian acknowledged Nigeria’s legal right to the funds.
Judge Thurston’s final order reflected Nigeria’s “superior interest,” paving the way for the release of the money.
The arms deal that led to the seizure highlights deeper issues in Nigeria’s defense procurement processes during the 2010s.
The period was marked by widespread misuse of funds, as revealed by a 2015 audit committee under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The audit found that $2 billion earmarked for arms purchases had been misappropriated, implicating former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki and others.
In a similar case, South Africa seized $5.7 million from Nigeria in 2014 over another failed arms deal.
These controversies underscore the challenges Nigeria faced in acquiring military equipment during the height of its fight against Boko Haram.
The recovery of the $6 million is a win for Nigeria as it seeks to address past mismanagement of public funds.
However, questions remain about accountability and reforms needed to prevent such irregularities in future arms procurements.
Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
