Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has challenged some media outlets to publish a copy of the United States District Court’s order, authorizing the seizure of $21 million from Nigeria’s account with JP Morgan.
The Minister of Justice referred to a publications by ‘Peoples Gazette’ on 21 August 2023 under the cover: “UK Court authorizes SSS victim Williams Emovbira to seize $21 million from CBN account with JP Morgan in New York”, is inaccurate as none of the media outlets that syndicated the story sought the reaction of the Nigerian government.
Fagbemi in a statement pointed out the need to set the records straight regarding the publication, insisting that at no time did the US District Court authorize the seizure of funds belonging to the Nigerian Government in the custody of JP Morgan.
He said the court only refused Nigeria’s preliminary motion to dismiss the complaint against her on the grounds of sovereign immunity.
The Attorney General further stated that the implication of the decision delivered on 12 August 2024 is that the case would now proceed to substantive hearing on its merit wherein parties are required to present evidence and legal submissions in support of their case before the court will issue a final decision adding that Nigeria has filed an appeal against the interlocutory decision in issue.
Nigeria’s chief law officer also said robust legal defences in the UK and the US courts have been filed against Williams’ claims, including launching proceedings against him for fraud and attempts to arm twist the Nigerian government.
Editor Oloyede Oworu
