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World Bank to reveal details of how Abacha loot was spent

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The World Bank has asked for more time to make a full disclosure of the detailed breakdown of disbursement of monies recovered from the late Head of State, Gen Sani Abacha.
The World Bank asked for this in response to a request forwarded to it by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) for information on the spending of recovered from Abacha.
The bank, in a letter dated 15 October 2015 and signed by Ann May of the Access to Information Team, said: “In response to your request under AI3982, we would like to inform you that we are still considering your request and need additional time to provide you with a more comprehensive response.”
The bank further stated: “In most cases, we will be able to respond within twenty (20) working days from receipt of a request for information. However, we may need additional time in special circumstances, for example, if the request is complex or voluminous or if it requires further review by or consultation with internal World Bank units, external parties, the Access to Information Committee, or the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors.
“We regret any inconvenience that a delay may cause you and, if one does occur, will aim to minimize it as much as possible. We will notify you promptly of any updates to the status of your request,” the bank stated.

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The Executive Director of SERAP, Adetokunbo Mumuni, in his response to the bank’s reply, said it is a welcomed decision to thoroughly consider the request.
“This thorough process shows the seriousness the Bank attaches to the request, and will hopefully contribute to a positive outcome that will serve the interest of justice and millions of Nigerians who want to know about disbursement of Abacha loot,” Mumuni said.
It will be recalled that SERAP had on September 21, 2015 requested the World Bank to exercise its prerogative by releasing documents relating to the spending of the recovered assets from Sani Abacha.
It also asked the bank to disclose information about its role in the implementation of any projects funded by the recovered assets and any other on-going repatriation initiatives on Nigeria with which the Bank is engaged.

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