Courtsey: http://www.whistleblowers.org.ng/blog/view/63/2016-December

The former governor of Delta state, James Ibori who was arrested for the embezzlement of public funds nearly over £50 million sometime in 2012 has been released from the UK prison on Wednesday.

Ibori's 8 years tenure had lots of controversies; he was alleged to have looted the sum of £157 million from Delta the rich oil producing state. He used the money to live a lavish lifestyle by purchasing luxury homes, private jets, first class travel and exclusive hotels worth thousands and millions of pounds. Despite several failed attempts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to bring him to justice, he fled to Dubai where he was arrested by the police and brought back to the UK to face trial.

The court on Wednesday, said he will face a deportation hearing before returning back to Nigeria and will pay a heavy sum of £18 million to the UK government.

Ibori's imprisonment would have taken longer but a judge intervened giving an order that he should be released as there is not enough reason why he was detained.

“You don’t hold someone just because it is convenient to do so and without plans to deport them.” Justice May said.

The judge stated that the home secretary was misusing her deportation and immigration powers.
The home office said it feared that Ibori might frustrate confiscation proceedings and recommended he stays in jail or that his movement be restricted.

However, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) which was responsible for pursuing the confiscation was neutral concerning the release and possible deportation of Ibori.

“The Secretary of State has taken it upon herself. There is no objection from the CPS for release”. Ian MacDonald QC. said representing Ibori.

“This is extraordinary, the CPS don’t care.” Justice May said.

In court Ibori's barrister, Ivan Krolic said there was an appeal by another defendant in the fraud case that the police officers undergoing the investigation were corrupt.

Nevertheless, the court of appeal ruled against the allegation because they had no solid evidence to back up their claim.

Ordering Ibori's release Justice May stated:

“The Secretary of State appears to have taken it upon herself that Ibori does remain in this country, in apparent contradiction of the order served earlier this year to deport him.

The position of the Secretary of State, as very candidly set out by Birdling (representing the home secretary), is that she accepts that there is an argument that she has no power to detain him.

I have decided that the balance of convenience falls heavily in favour of his immediate release. I am not prepared to impose conditions involving tagging or curfews”

Ibori's bail was then followed by a praise and worship session at his residence in London.

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