London Court: Ibori Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering

Posted by admin Africa & World Politics, Delta, General Politics, State News, Top Stories Monday, February 27th, 2012

Ex Gov. of Delta, Mr. James Ibori

Reports out of London are indicating that former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori has pleaded guilty Monday to 10 counts of money laundering and conspiracy to defraud in his UK trial.

Initially the former number one citizen of Delta State had been insisting that he was innocent of the charges and was ready to fight to clear his name in court.

Although sources close to the former Delta State helmsman had told THISDAY over the weekend that he was ready to enter into a plea bargaining deal with the UK prosecutors, the reports were, however, silent on this.

According to one report, the prosecution had tried to block Ibori’s plea move arguing that it wanted to go ahead with the trial but the judge handling the case, Judge Pitts ruled that out.

Chief Ibori pleaded guilty to 7 indictments (1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 10, and 11) in Trial One, and 3 indictments (1, 2 and 3) in Trial Two; the V-Mobile matter.

Judge Pitts thereafter adjourned to April 16 and 17 for Chief Ibori’s sentencing, while the confiscation hearing will be in August.

British police accuse Ibori of stealing £250m ($400m) over eight years.

Ibori was first arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in 2007, but a judge threw out the lengthy charges brought against him by the commission.

The former governor then fled to Dubai after he was to be re-arrested by the EFFC. However, a British warrant led to him being detained in the Middle East nation and despite spirited attempts to fight his extradition, he was later sent to the UK to face trial.

According to reports over $20 million has been spent by the Crown Prosecution on trying the Nigerian politician.wp_posts