The late Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Abba Kyari worked closely with officials from United States Government for the repatriation of $300 million looted by a former military dictator, Sani Abacha.
Tibor Nagir, an Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, revealed in a condolence letter addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari.
Abacha ruled Nigeria from 1993 until his death in 1998. Corruption watchdog Transparency International estimates he stole as much as $5 billion of public money during that time but was never charged with corruption while he was alive.
While acknowledging Kyari’s role in the repatriation of the fund, the United States government described Kyari as respected interlocutor.
‘‘Kyari was a valued and respected interlocutor for the U.S. government and particularly for our leadership team in Abuja.
‘‘We appreciate working with him on many important matters, including the return to the Nigerian people of over $300 million in funds stolen by Sani Abacha.
‘‘He envisioned the funds going to three geographically disparate infrastructure projects as a way to unite Nigeria economically.”
‘‘His dedication to this matter, to fighting corruption, and to countless other investments and policies for the future of Nigeria will leave a lasting impact on your country,’’ he wrote.
While commiserating with the government and people of Nigeria, the Kyari family on the loss, the U.S. government pledged to stand with Nigeria in the struggle against the coronavirus pandemic.
On March 24, 2020, it was made public that Kyari tested positive for COVID-19 on March 23, following an official trip to Germany nine days before.
It was also reported that Kyari had underlying medical conditions, and was secretly flown out of the country, a claim the Presidency neither admitted nor denied.
Kyari later issued a statement denying that he was moved out of Abuja for treatment.
Kyari was an influential figure within the Buhari’s administration. During the administration’s first term, he worked mainly behind the scenes to implement the president’s agenda.
