The United States government has issued a response regarding the appointment of Atiku Bagudu, the newly sworn-in Minister of Budget and Economic Planning in Nigeria, News About Nigeria reports.
Bagudu has faced accusations of aiding the late General Sani Abacha, a former dictator, in embezzling billions of dollars during the 1990s.
According to Bloomberg, the US Justice Department has alleged that Bagudu played a pivotal role in orchestrating complex financial transactions to launder the proceeds of the conspiracy that transpired under Abacha’s rule.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, upon the swearing-in of his cabinet, asserted that the ministers were carefully selected for their outstanding records in both public and private sectors.
In response to Bagudu’s appointment, a spokesperson from the US State Department stated in an email that they are “aware of the appointments announced by President Tinubu” and are currently “assessing the implications” of Bagudu’s nomination.
However, the US Justice Department has chosen not to comment on Bagudu’s appointment as Minister of Budget and Planning.
It is noteworthy that, according to US court filings, Bagudu voluntarily repatriated over $650 million to Nigeria in 1998 following Abacha’s death.
PCB Byrne, a law firm based in London representing Bagudu, appears to confirm this fact in an email. The firm emphasized that the “unproven” allegations fail to acknowledge Bagudu’s “immediate and effective assistance in the recovery of funds following the death of General Abacha.”
PCB Byrne further stated that Bagudu has met his obligations under a 2003 agreement and has made substantial contributions to Nigerian society over the past two decades.
Bagudu’s legal team also stressed that he has never been convicted of any offense in any jurisdiction.
Reportedly, Bagudu reached a settlement with the federal government in 2003, in which he did not admit to any wrongdoing. In exchange for the return of an additional $163 million, the Nigerian government dropped all outstanding civil and criminal claims against him.
