The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has categorically denied allegations that a United States District Court has authorized the seizure of $21 million from Nigeria’s account with JP Morgan.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Fagbemi condemned the reports as false and misleading.
The controversy erupted after an online media platform claimed that Louis E. Williams had received court approval to seize the funds.
Fagbemi criticized the media outlets for failing to seek the ministry’s comment prior to publication, emphasizing the need for accurate reporting.
“The ministry wishes to set the record straight regarding an inaccurate publication by Peoples Gazette and others alleging that a US District Court has authorized a certain Louis E. Williams to seize $21 million from Nigeria’s account with JP Morgan,” the AGF stated.
He challenged the media to present any official court order regarding the alleged seizure, reinforcing the ministry’s commitment to transparency.
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He explained that the U.S. court only declined Nigeria’s preliminary motion to dismiss the complaint based on sovereign immunity, allowing the case to proceed to substantive hearings.
This decision, rendered on August 21, 2024, means that both parties will now be required to present evidence and legal arguments.
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The case stems from claims made by British-Nigerian businessman Williams Emovbira, who alleges mistreatment and fraud by the Nigerian domestic intelligence service in the 1980s. He seeks damages amounting to $21 million.
The Justice Ministry clarified that Nigeria has filed an appeal against the court’s interlocutory decision and has initiated legal challenges against Williams in both the UK and US courts.
“We remain confident that his attempts to strong-arm the Nigerian government will come to nought,” Fagbemi added.
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