AGF Fagbemi Dismisses Report On Alleged $21 Million Seizure From Nigeria’s JP Morgan Account

Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, has denied reports from an online media outlet claiming that a U.S. District Court authorized Louis E. Williams to seize $21 million from Nigeria’s account with JP Morgan.

In a statement, Fagbemi clarified that the court only rejected Nigeria’s objection to the case based on sovereign immunity but did not authorize the seizure of any funds. He emphasized, “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.”

Fagbemi also pointed out that this false report followed a similar claim by Peoples Gazette on August 21, 2023. He challenged the media outlets to provide the court order supposedly authorizing the seizure.

“The ministry hereby clarifies 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. The court only refused Nigeria’s preliminary motion to dismiss the complaint against her on grounds of sovereign immunity,” Fagbemi explained.

He further noted that the case is moving to a substantive hearing where both parties will present evidence. Nigeria has also appealed the court’s decision and has filed legal challenges against Williams in both the UK and U.S. courts, accusing him of fraud.

Fagbemi concluded by expressing confidence that Williams’ attempts to pressure the Nigerian government would ultimately fail.