BREAKING: US blocked $320m Abacha Loot over religious persecution by the Buhari administration

The deadly covid-19 pandemic might have dominated headlines since it took the world by surprise, the misdeeds of the Buhari administration which earned it a place in the United States black book, however, is by no means forgotten.

The United States had in 2019, took notice of President Muhammadu Buhari’s alleged abuse of power especially the illegal apprehension and detention of critics, disobedience to court orders, and attempts to clampdown freedom of speech through moves to regulate the social media.


Additionally, the president was also accused of plotting to Islamize the country through the hijacking of the nation's power structure.

Since becoming president, attacks on Christians in the country particularly in the North, has soared. Multiple sources had alleged military collusion with the assaiIants to attack innocent Nigerians in predominantly Christian community in some parts of the North especially in Kaduna State.



The unabated attacks led to public outcry and protests by CAN prompting the US to intervene by placing Nigeria on its Special Watch List (SWL) of countries that have engaged in or tolerated “severe violations of religious freedom".

Now, however, according to report by Sahara, the United States House of Representatives, have opposed the return of $320m looted by late General Sani Abacha, citing human rights violations by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a letter to US Attorney General, William Barr, dated April 22, 2020, American Principles Project, a political organisation, captured the concerns of the lawmakers.


Signed by its Executive Director, Terry Schilling, the APP said, “Concerns with Nigeria’s behaviour under the Buhari Administration is growing.

“Recently, US Senator (Chuck) Grassley has written to the DOJ noting that, under President Muhammadu Buhari’s government, Nigerians face violations undermining freedom of religion, freedom of speech, due process, and the rule of law.

“The persecution of Christians is especially alarming, as attacks have increased rapidly.’ Similar concerns were also shared with you by Representatives Steve Chabot and Chris Smith.



“Recently, the United States Government concluded that under the direction of President Muhammadu Buhari and his administration, Nigeria has become a ‘severe violator of religious freedom.’ The evidence to support this conclusion is overwhelming.

“Amnesty International, Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust, the International Committee on Nigeria, and the International Organisation for Peace Building and Social Justice have documented that since President Buhari came into power in 2015, more than 12,000 Nigerians have been murdered, of which more than half have been singled out because of their Christian faith.

“On behalf of APP, it would be helpful if you could share with us: Whether the DOJ has repatriated these monies to Nigeria, and if not, when does it plan to do so? Whether DOJ intends to address the questions raised by the members of Congress?


“Attorney General Barr — APP would also strongly encourage the DOJ to undertake an investigation on whether or not the EFCC’s role in detaining individuals who have spoken against the Buhari administration warrants the consideration of sanctions against EFCC Chairman Magu and Attorney General Malami under the Global Magnitsky Act or the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act.”