The Swiss government says it is ready to hand over to Nigeria bank documents to help in the investigation of alleged embezzlement by the late President Sani Abacha and nine associates.

The documents contain details of transactions through Swiss banks during General Abacha's rule in Nigeria from 1993 to 1998.

The former Nigerian leader, his family and associates are alleged to have plundered more than $2.2 billion in state assets which were transferred to foreign bank accounts.

Swiss authorities have already frozen an estimated $535 million in suspect funds as they also probe money-laundering allegations. In 2000, about $66 million were returned to the Nigerian government.

All persons involved in the case have 30 days to appeal to the Swiss Supreme Court the government's decision to hand over the documents.

Nigeria has also asked Great Britain, Germany, the English channel island of Jersey, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg and the United States to help in the investigation.

Some information for this report provided by AFP and Reuters.

Email this article to a friend
Printer Friendly Version