This is in accordance with an agreement between the two countries to repatriate assets traceable to the kleptocracy of former governor of Bayelsa state Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, the department said in a statement.

Mr Alamieyeseigha, now deceased, served as governor from 1999 until his impeachment in 2005.

While he was governor he accumulated property worth millions of dollars through corrupt and illegal activities, including property in Rockville, Maryland, the statement said.

The forfeited assets will be used to support improvements in health care centres across Bayelsa State.