FG Moves To Strengthen Laws That Facilitate Return Of Stolen Artefacts

The Nigerian government is currently planning to strengthen laws to facilitate the recovery of stolen artefacts to the country.

This was revealed by the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede on Monday at the ongoing 6th annual general assembly of the Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions In Africa (NACIWA).

According to him, there are also plans to strengthen regional laws that pertain to asset recovery.

READ ALSO: US Museum Returns Two Artefacts To Benin Kingdom

The EFCC Chairman in his opening remarks stressed the need for anti-corruption agencies in the region to strengthen their collaboration to reduce corruption.

The meeting is themed ‘Implementing the Ecowas Protocol on the Fight Against Corruption Towards Strengthening Institutions for Regional Unity’.

NACIWA is a regional anti-corruption network made up of 14 member countries. They include Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Guinea Conakry, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.

Those at the meeting include Vice President Kashim Shettima, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, heads of anti-corruption agencies, representatives from the Economic Countries Of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Channels Television had recently reported how the Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, and Oba of Benin took custody of two looted Royal stools from the German government.

According to historical records, the artefacts — Bronze and wooden Royal stools (Ekete), made during the reign of Oba Eresoyen and Oba Esigie several centuries ago, were looted from the Oba’s Palace during the punitive expedition in 1897.

They were handed over to the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) on behalf of the Nigerian government by the German authorities.

The Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Olugbile Holloway made the presentation on behalf of the Federal Government on May 18, 2024, in Oba of Benin’s Palace, Benin City.