(Ecofin Agency) - A Nigerian civil society group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has called on the President of the United States, Donald Trump (photo), to release the about $500 million worth of assets stashed in the US by late Sani Abacha, a former military dictator.

According to the group, the call is in line with the United Nations Convention against Corruption which was approved by both countries. SERAP in the open letter signed by its US Volunteer Counsel, Alexander Sierck, urge Trump to initiate talks with Nigeria and set a timeline for when the money will be returned.

“SERAP urges your new administration to initiate discussions with the Nigerian government to fulfill these objectives within an agreed framework and timeline. Simultaneously, the administration should instruct the Justice Department to initiate civil asset forfeiture proceedings in regard to the above-referenced $500m in assets,” the letter reads.

In January, the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption, Itse Sagay, said Nigeria stands to lose the funds demanded by SERAP (up to $550m). He said the money is different from the previous $480m forfeited to the US following a court judgment.

Anita Fatunji