– US government is ready to extradite Obanikoro to Nigeria accoring to treaty signed between two countries
– According to US officials fact of dual nationality with Nigeria would be irrelevant in this context
The United States government is ready to extradite its citizens to countries it has signed a treaty with, according to Peter Carr, an official at the United States Department of Justice (DOJ).
Mr. Carr said that the embattled former Nigerian minister Musiliu Obanikoro could be successfully extradited by the Nigerian government, Sahara Reporters informs.
READ ALSO: Obanikoro reacts to EFFC raid, lashes out at government
In an email he clarified that “within [existing] statutory and treaty framework, US practice is, generally, to extradite its citizens, assuming that the requirements of the treaty are met. The fact of dual nationality with Nigeria would be irrelevant in this context.”
On his own part, Roger Clark, an international legal expert, made explanations on United States laws as refers to the extradition of people who, like Mr. Obanikoro, hold American citizenship.
He stated: “The United States has no problem extraditing its nationals provided there is a treaty.”
A pact between Nigeria and the United States exists, he said, adding that it was signed into force in 1935 when Nigeria was still under colonial control by Great Britain.
READ ALSO: Alleged fraud: Return to face trial – Nigerians tell Obanikoro
Ex-minister, who served under the government of former president Goodluck Jonathan, had recently dared Muhammadu Buhari to extradite him to Nigeria to stand trial for fraud charges filed against him.
Obanikoro left Nigeria for the United States after the defeat of PDP by the APC in the last presidential poll.
He is being probed on allegations of official misconduct and illegal contract splitting.
Meanwhile, the politician said he was not aware of any probe into his activities when he held different ministerial portfolios during Jonathan tenure.
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