Ibori was deported, still under probe –UK govt

Contrary to the thinking of most Nigerians that former Delta State governor, James Ibori, came into Nigeria of his own volition, it has been revealed that he was actually deported by the British government after serving out his jail term.

Ibori who came into the country, and headed for his home town Ogara, Delta State, regained his freedom after about four and half years in a British jail, and was sent back to Nigeria aboard a British Airways flight.

He was convicted, and sentenced for massively looting the resources of his state, while he was governor.

The British High Commission made these known in a statement on Sunday by its Press and Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Joe Abuku, who also noted that investigations into Ibori’s issue is still ongoing with a view to confiscating assets discovered to have been illegally acquired by the now ex-convict.

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The statement read in part, “Having been jailed for his crimes in the UK and served his sentence, Mr. Ibori has now been returned to Nigeria. The UK will continue to pursue, vigorously, the legal process to confiscate and return to Nigeria, Ibori’s criminal assets. The UK is determined to lead the way in a coordinated global effort to bring the corrupt to justice.

“That is why it was vital we sent a clear message to the world that James Ibori, a man who stole millions from the Nigerian Government and laundered those proceeds in the UK, has been held to account. Mr. Ibori’s return will not prevent prosecutors from pursuing confiscation proceedings against him.‎”

Ibori who came into the country on Saturday, received a rousing welcome from his friends and political associates, including the incumbent governor of his state, Ifeanyi Okowa.

 

 

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