The United States government has dismissed claims that the US Secretary of State, John Kerry, during his last visit to the country met with only Muslim leaders.
It also said it could not give a specific date when Nigeria’s stolen money stashed abroad will be returned to the country.
This was stated by the US Embassy in Nigeria, following an inquiry by our correspondent concerning a $300m loot Kerry promised would be returned to Nigeria.
According to the Deputy Public Affairs Officer at the US Consulate General in Lagos, Frank Sellin, recovering the $300m and other assets stolen from Nigeria will not be easy.
“In regard to asset recovery, the United States has and will continue to support Nigeria’s efforts to recover assets stolen from the Nigerian people. As you know, investigation of complex international money laundering and corruption, including the identification and recovery of assets, can be challenging and time- consuming, particularly when legal challenges and numerous banks and jurisdictions are involved,” Sellin told our correspondent.
Because the processes or asset recovery are complex and involve litigation in different jurisdictions, he said the US “cannot provide a precise timeline on recovery of assets.”
He, however, noted that the recovery required cooperation between Nigerian and foreign security agencies.
Concerning the allegation of CAN, Sellin said, “In Sokoto, Secretary Kerry met with both Christian and Muslim leaders to discuss religious tolerance and ways to counter violent extremism affecting all Nigerians. The Embassy is in communication with CAN to clarify the media reports and any misunderstandings.” – Punch.
