Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act
Act · Security
An Act provides a framework for Nigeria to cooperate with foreign countries in criminal matters, including evidence sharing and asset freezing. It targets law enforcement agencies and prosecutors dealing with transnational crimes. This aims to recover stolen assets and combat issues like money laundering.
What Is This Policy?
Provides a domestic legal framework for Nigeria to cooperate with foreign countries in criminal investigations and prosecutions, enabling the sharing of evidence, freezing of assets, and extradition in cross-border criminal matters.
Who Does It Target?
Law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies (EFCC, ICPC, Nigeria Police) Prosecutors handling transnational crimes Foreign governments seeking Nigerian cooperation in criminal matters
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Formalise Nigeria's legal basis for international criminal justice cooperation Enable effective investigation and prosecution of transnational crimes including money laundering and terrorism financing Support asset recovery of stolen Nigerian funds held abroad
Key Features
Evidence Sharing: Legal basis for Nigerian courts to obtain and transmit evidence for foreign criminal proceedings Asset Freezing & Recovery: Framework for freezing and repatriating assets held abroad linked to Nigerian crimes Reciprocity Principle: Bilateral and multilateral arrangements for mutual criminal assistance Central Authority: Federal Ministry of Justice designated as Nigeria's central authority for mutual assistance requests
Current Status
How to Access
Requests for mutual assistance are routed through the Federal Ministry of Justice as Nigeria's central authority Formal request through diplomatic or legal channels Evidence of an ongoing criminal investigation or prosecution Compliance with bilateral treaty requirements where applicable Application method: Federal Ministry of Justice – justice.gov.ng
Important Terms
Nigeria can decline requests that threaten national security, sovereignty, or are politically motivated Assistance is subject to Nigerian law and bilateral treaty conditions All communications through the Attorney-General's office
Impact & Metrics
Strengthens Nigeria's capacity to recover stolen assets, prosecute financial criminals, and meet its international anti-corruption and counter-terrorism obligations.
Official Resources
Website: justice.gov.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Justice | EFCC – efccnigeria.org This policy summary is for informational purposes. For official and legal details, refer to the cited Act or Bill and official government sources.
Legal Framework
Enacted under the legislative powers of the National Assembly vested by Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Operates alongside the Extradition Act Cap E25 LFN 2004, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act 2004, and bilateral mutual legal assistance treaties to which Nigeria is a party.