James Ibori Reportedly Set to Return to Nigeria from UK Prison

 

Former Governor of Delta State, James Onanefe Ibori is expected back in the country before Christmas, according to reports trending on social media.

 

Ibori served as two-term Governor of the state but was found guilty of corruption in the United Kingdom and sentenced to a lengthy jail term.

The announcement of his possible return was made by Chief Ighoyota Amori on Sunday, September 25, while speaking in Oghara during the 50th birthday celebration of the former Commissioner for Transport in the state, Mr Ben Igbakpa, according to a report by Vanguard.

While urging the people to pray for Ibori, Amori was quoted as saying: “Our leader, Chief James Onanefe Ibori will soon return to Oghara.

“Chief James Onanefe Ibori will spend this year Christmas with us here.”

He told the crowd that Ibori’s return is as certain as death, adding: “We will all gather to give him a wonderful reception here in Oghara.

“And our lives will begin again once he returns back to the country.”

Igbakpa, a former member of the House of Assembly of the state, thanked God for sparing his life for the celebration.

On 27 February 2012, accused of stealing US$250 million from the Nigerian public purse, Ibori pleaded guilty to ten counts of money laundering and conspiracy to defraud at Southwark Crown Court, London.

Following the guilty plea entered by Ibori, the EFCC is planning to bring a case before an Appeal Court to challenge the ruling of a lower court in Asaba, which acquitted Ibori in 2009.

On Tuesday, April 17, 2012, Ibori was sentenced to 13 years by Southwark Crown Court for his crimes.