Chairman of HEDA anti-corruption group, Olanrewaju Suraju has asked Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, to initiate the process of repatriating “seized illicit funds as well as forfeited assets linked to former Enugu State governor, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani by the United State government.”

The development followed a report by Peoples Gazette detailing the massive looting of $41.8 million from Enugu state treasury by Mr Nnamani, in connivance with his sister, Chinero Nwigwe, when he led Enugu between May 1999 and May 2007. 

Mr Nnamani had used the ill-gotten riches to acquire luxury assets in Florida, that were later forfeited to the U.S. government upon his failure to provide a legitimate source of income. 

”Knowing fully well that the funds used by Mr. Nnamani to purchase the forfeited properties were stolen from the coffers of Enugu State and belong to the people of Enugu State, we kindly request your office to commence the process of recovery of the forfeited properties from the United States Government for the benefit of Enugu State and its people,” reads a part of the HEDA chairman’s letter.

Another one million dollars Mr Nnamani looted days before leaving office as Enugu governor in 2007 and stashed in the U.S. AmSouth Bank (now Regions Bank) was seized by the American government.

“We believe your office is saddled and empowered to recover and repatriate recovered stolen assets back to the country and charge you and the ministry to take necessary proactive steps and begin the process of recovery of this humongous stolen amount from the United States Government,” urged Mr Suraju in the letter addressed to Mr Malami.

HEDA, a non-partisan human rights group made the request in line with its objective of promoting public accountability, transparency and environmental justice in Nigeria and Africa, in accordance with international best standards.