From: Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), an anti-corruption watchdog, has strongly commended the ruling of the United Kingdom’s High Court of Justice, which ordered the forfeiture of a £1 million luxury property acquired by Mrs. Abigail Katung, the current Lord Mayor of Leeds and the wife of Nigerian Senator Sunday Marshall Katung.
In a statement issued to the press yesterday in Kaduna, ANEEJ Executive Director Rev. David Ugolor, who is also a former Co-chair of the UNCAC Coalition, described the decision as a “critical win for global anti-corruption efforts.”
He emphasized that no politically exposed person (PEP) should be shielded from accountability, regardless of how distant they may seem from the original offence.
“This ruling strengthens international resolve against illicit financial flows involving politically exposed persons and affirms the UK’s commitment to the global anti-corruption framework,” Rev. Ugolor stated.
The case is particularly significant given Senator Katung’s position as a serving Nigerian lawmaker, raising important concerns about the misuse of public trust and the exploitation of inadequate financial oversight for personal gain.
While praising the court’s ruling, Ugolor also called on the UK Government and its agencies to collaborate with Nigerian authorities to ensure the transparent return of the recovered funds according to Chapter V of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), which emphasizes returning assets to their country of origin as a fundamental principle.
“We urge that the repatriated funds be specifically allocated for social protection programs benefiting Nigeria’s poor and vulnerable communities, in line with the Global Forum on Asset Recovery (GFAR) principles of transparency, accountability, and public participation,” Ugolor emphasized.
