EFCC To Prosecute James Ibori On 170 Count Corruption Charges

Recall that Ibori, prior to his conviction in the United Kingdom, UK, was dragged before an Asaba High Court on a 170 count charge following allegations bordering on diverting N40bn belonging to the state.

Ibori had on Saturday returned to Nigeria, after completing his jail term in the United Kingdom.

Although the court struck out the 170 charges levelled against him, the anti-graft agency contested the Asaba High Court’s ruling at the Appeal Court, Benin Division.

A three-man panel of justices on May 15, 2014, at the Benin Division of the Court of Appeal, held that the corruption matter against the ex-governor will be reopened upon completion of his jail term in the UK.

Following the ruling, a source quoted the EFCC, as saying, “With this judgment, the coast is clear for Ibori to face trial in Nigeria upon the completion of his jail term in London.”

According to another source, the anti-graft agency will in a short time invite Ibori for questioning. “Ibori still has 170 charges pending against him. Also, the Appeal Court has given us the go-ahead to prosecute him and this ruling has not been upturned by the Supreme Court.

“As things stand, the EFCC has the right to arrest him at anytime. Ibori, among other allegations, was accused of embezzling N40bn which belonged to the state. Also, a former Chairman of the EFCC, Nuhu Ribadu, alleged that the former governor attempted to bribe him with $15m cash.”