The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has refuted claims that the Federal Government recovered $967.5 billion in stolen public funds.
In a statement personally signed and released on Thursday, the Minister described the figure as false and far from the actual figures recently made public.
“In 2024 alone, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reclaimed over N248 billion, $105 million, and 753 duplexes. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) also recovered N29.685 billion in cash and $966,900 in assets,” Fagbemi stated.
He further explained that from 2017 to date, Nigeria had collaborated with international partners to recover approximately $763.7 million and £6.47 million. Of these, about $102.88 million and £2.06 million were recovered within 2024 alone.
Fagbemi urged media outlets that published the inaccurate $967.5 billion figure to issue corrections, saying, “The figure quoted by the writers is false and completely at variance from my remarks.”
The AGF commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its transparency and prudent use of recovered assets, noting that such funds have been channeled into major national infrastructure projects.
“From 2017 to 2024, recovered funds helped fund critical infrastructure like the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the Second Niger Bridge, and the Abuja-Kano Road,” he noted.
He added that asset recovery remains a vital tool in the fight against corruption and a way to build public trust in governance.
“Nigeria has earned global recognition for its efforts, and we will continue to pursue transparency and justice,” he concluded.
