Abacha loot to be given to Nigeria's poor

Money looted by Nigeria’s former military ruler Sani Abacha is to be distributed to poor families, the government says.

The distribution is to start next month after more than $300m (£228m) was recently returned by the Swiss authorities.

The money, stolen by Abacha in the 1990s, is due to be given to around 300,000 households through monthly payments of around $14 each.

Some Nigerians have questioned whether this is the best way of distributing the money and there are also concerns that with elections just months away, the gifting of money could be seen as an effort to secure votes.