Ex-Gov James Ibori Faces Fresh 10-Year Jail Term Over £100 Million Seizure

Ilesanmi AdekanbiJuly 21, 2023

1 minute read

A former governor of Delta State, Nigeria, James Ibori, is facing a fresh 10-year jail term after the UK authorities ordered the seizure of more than £100 million (US$129 million) from him.

Ibori was convicted of money laundering and fraud in 2012 and served six years in prison in the UK. However, he could now be sent back to jail for a further 10 years if he fails to pay the £100 million that the UK authorities have ordered him to forfeit.

The UK authorities allege that Ibori stole billions of naira (Nigerian currency) from the state of Delta while he was governor from 1999 to 2007. They say that he used the stolen money to buy luxury homes, cars, and jewelry in the UK.

Ibori has denied the allegations, but the UK authorities have presented a wealth of evidence against him, including bank records, property deeds, and witness testimony.

In 2017, Judge David Tomlinson of Southwark Crown Court found that Ibori was guilty of money laundering and ordered him to forfeit £101.5 million. Ibori appealed the decision, but the Court of Appeal upheld the judgment in 2018.

Ibori has not yet paid the £101.5 million, and the UK authorities are now taking steps to seize his assets in Nigeria. If Ibori fails to pay the money, he could be extradited to the UK and sent back to prison for a further 10 years.

The case of James Ibori is a reminder of the scale of corruption that has taken place in Nigeria. It is also a reminder that the UK authorities are committed to bringing corrupt individuals to justice, even if they have fled the country.

The seizure of Ibori’s assets is a significant victory for the UK authorities, and it sends a strong message to other corrupt individuals that they will not be allowed to get away with their crimes.