Imprisoned Delta state political bigwig is set to make a return to Nigeria after serving a lengthy jail term as a result of corrupt practices.
James Ibori
Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and other associates of his predecessor, James Ibori, are preparing for the release of the convicted former governor from prison in London, the United Kingdom in 2016, an investigation by a correspondent has revealed, according to The Nation.
Ibori was jailed 13 years in 2012, two years after his arrest by the Interpol in Dubai, the United Arab Emirate, in 2010, where he was hiding after fleeing Nigeria.
Despite several allegations of corruption, his trial and jail, the former governor still enjoys some support of a section of the state, particularly within his Urhobo ethnic nationality.
It was gathered that his friends, beneficiaries and supporters had begun moves to resuscitate his businesses and investments across the country to reintegrate him into the “system”.
His “enormous fortunes”, allegedly stolen from the state, was said to have been reduced after he left office in 2007 with the seizure of his property and cash by foreign governments.
In April 2012, at his conviction hearing, the UK Crown Prosecution Services justified the confiscation of Ibori’s choice property in London and South Africa worth over £6.4 million, were allegedly purchased “at the expense of some of the poorest people in the world”.
Investigations by a correspondent revealed that his key allies and supporters in prominent political positions were preparing to resuscitate his businesses and stalled projects.
Okowa, who was part of Ibori’s eight-year government, is said to be in constant touch with him through intermediaries regularly sent to the UK.