Latest information indicates ex-governor James Ibori arrested in Dubai, United Arab Emirates is out on bail. The former governor of Delta State was arrested in Dubai by Dubai Police upon application by the London Metropolitan Police on tip-off by Nigeria security agencies. There is no information so far available on possible extradition to London for money laundering charges.
The UK authorities has an arrest warrant on Ibori issued in 2008. UK International experts told Elombah.com that Ibori could be flown from UAE to Britain under an extradition treaty signed between the two nations in 2008.
The British government had gotten a London court to freeze all Ibori’s assets in the UK and Canada before applying to the Nigerian government under late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to extradite Mr. Ibori to London to face various charges including money laundering. The request was however frustrated by the former Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Michael Aondooaka.
Mr. Ibori was recently declared wanted by the Economic and financial Crimes Commission over alleged diversion of N528m shares belonging to Delta State in Oceanic Bank.
Ibori’s associates, including Miss Udoamaka Okoronkwo, his sister, Christine Ebie-Ibori, and a former personal aide, Ms Pogoson, are facing money laundering charges in London.
The trial is nearing its end at the Southwark Crown Court. Last Monday, lawyers representing Ibori’s associates began making closing arguments. UK sources said Ibori arrest and possible extradition will introduce an extraordinary dimension to the whole trial.