James Ibori To Be Sentenced For Money Laundering Today In UK

Former Delta State governor, Chief James Ibori, standing trial for money laundering charges in the United Kingdom (UK), is expected to be sentenced at Southwark Crown court today and tomorrow, after pleading guilty to the charges.

The two dates had been fixed during his last trial at Southwark Crown court, on February 27. Ibori had pleaded guilty to “conspiracy to defraud,” paving the way for British police to confiscate his assets.

Information has it that he risked 10-year jail term.

Before the commencement of his trial at London’s Southwark Crown court, Ibori, 49, had changed his original plea and admitted stealing money from Delta State and laundering it in London through a number of offshore companies.

The former governor admitted to fraud totalling more than $79 million (£50 million), said to be part of total embezzlement that could exceed $250 million (£157 million). The assets he acquired with the proceeds will consequently be confiscated and returned to Nigeria.

Popularly called Odidigborigbo by admirers and political associates, he governed the oil-rich Delta State between 1999 and 2007. He opted for a plea bargain with his British prosecutors in the hope of receiving a lighter sentence.

The court heard of how Ibori, during his tenure as governor, racked up credit card bills of $200,000 a month and owned a fleet of armoured Range Rovers.

Police detective, Paul Whatmore said : “We are pleased with today’s guilty pleas which mark the culmination of a seven-year inquiry into James Ibori’s corrupt activities. We will now be actively seeking the confiscation of all of his stolen assets so they can be repatriated for the benefit of the people of Delta State.”

His wife, Theresa; sister, Christine Ibori-Ibie; associate, Udoamaka Okoronkwo; and London-based solicitor, Bhadresh Gohil have all already been convicted of money laundering. Ibori-Ibie and Okoronkwo-Onuigbo were later sentenced to 21 years in prison in London for their different roles in the case.

The British police had earlier dropped corruption charges levelled against Ibori, leaving him to face money laundering charges.

It is to be seen if Ibori will be handed a light sentence as he envisages.