Arms funds: Nigeria wins legal battle to recover $6 million seized by U.S. govt

Nigeria has successfully reclaimed over $6 million from the United States government, following a prolonged legal battle spanning nearly a decade.

The funds were originally seized in 2014 after an arms broker, Dolarian Capital Inc. (DCI), attempted to supply military equipment to Nigeria without the necessary U.S. government license. The U.S. authorities cited a violation of the Arms Export Control Act, leading to the seizure.

On December 23, 2024, the U.S. District Court for Eastern California ruled in favour of Nigeria, issuing a permanent order of forfeiture and confirming the country’s legal interest in the funds.

Judge Jenniffer Thurston ordered that the funds, which amount to approximately $6.02 million, along with any accrued interest, be returned to Nigeria within 60 days.

The legal battle to recover the funds began in earnest in 2021, with Nigeria hiring U.S.-based lawyer Jovi Usude to represent the country’s interests.

After several years of back-and-forth with U.S. officials, the U.S. government conceded in December 2023 that Nigeria had a legitimate claim to the funds.

The U.S. authorities had initially seized the money following a failed attempt by Dolarian to broker a military arms deal with Nigeria.

The funds were paid to Dolarian Capital Inc. during the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency when Nigeria was struggling to equip its military.

However, due to the lack of proper authorization, the funds were seized by U.S. authorities.