The British
government has denied allegations that it aids corruption in Nigeria, saying it
is committed to repatriating Nigeria’s looted funds kept in the country.
The denial was
made following an allegation by a United Kingdom-based organisation, Security
in Africa.
According to a
director of the organisation, Ben Oguntala, the British government allegedly
aids and abets corrupt leaders in Nigeria and other African countries.
Oguntala had told
our correspondent last week that it would be very difficult for the loot
recovery efforts of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to yield
positive results given the insincerity of the UK government toward fighting
corruption in Africa.
The SIA director
stated that history had shown that western governments, particularly the UK
government, welcomed corruption and fraudulent monies, especially from Africa.
He added that
none of the monies recovered from Umaru Dikko between 1979 and 1983 and from
James Ibori was returned to the Federal Government, thereby creating “double
theft” of the money from Nigeria.
Responding to the
allegations via email, the UK High Commission in Nigeria on Thursday told
SUNDAY PUNCH, “The UK government does not aid corruption in any form in Nigeria
or elsewhere. We recognise that tackling corruption is critical to Nigeria’s
economic prosperity.
“Corruption
deters business, harms service delivery and undermines trust in government. We
are working with the Nigerian government to support progress against corruption
and stand ready to help further. The UK government’s intervention with respect
to the Umaru Dikko case was in response to a violation of the UK laws
prohibiting kidnap and abduction.”
According to the
High Commission, Britain believes that those guilty of corruption should be
brought to justice.
“The prosecution
and conviction of James Ibori in a UK court demonstrates our commitment to this
agenda. We are working closely with Nigerian authorities to deliver an
effective mechanism for the return of stolen funds and assets from Nigeria.
“Allegations in
relation to this case have been investigated by the CDC and the Parliamentary
Ombudsman. We have already implemented all of the Ombudsman’s findings and, as
we have made clear previously, we are ready to look at any new information
regarding this case,” it said.