Ibori Wanted For Trial In UK, Met Police Seeks Extradition

Ibori

The Metropolitan Police in the United Kingdom have confirmed that they will seek the extradition of the former Delta State governor, James Onanefe Ibori, who was arrested in Dubai, United Arabs Emirate on Wednesday.

The fugitive former governor was arraigned before the court yesterday in Dubai and granted bail.

A spokesman for the Met Police confirmed that they would seek Ibori’s extradition to enable him face trial in London over charges of money laundering and related offences for which some of his aides and lovers have been charged.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had earlier issued an international warrant of arrest against Ibori, seeking the assistance of the International Police (Interpol) to arrest and extradite the former governor.

While expressing delight at the arrest of Ibori in Dubai, the EFCC spokesman, Femi Babafemi, attributed Ibori’s arrest to the international warrant issued against him by the commission since his reported escape from Nigeria.

“We have been exchanging information with the Met Police and the Interpol since he escaped from the country.

The officer in charge of his case in the UK has dispatched his men to Dubai and the EFCC also confirmed to P.M.NEWS this morning that five of its officials were on their way to Dubai to press for his extradition.

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EFCC boss, Mrs. Farida Waziri confirmed that the anti graft agency was working with Met police and Interpol because the commission has a case against Ibori in the Appeal Court in Benin.

Waziri added that the EFCC has fresh charges against Ibori. She said she was excited when she learnt of Ibori’s arrest in Dubai.

Waziri said she was surprised Ibori could run away the way and manner he did after being governor for eight years.

Those who have been facing trial in the U.K in relation to Ibori’s money laundering and related offences include Ms Udoamaka Okoronkwo, Ibori’s sister, Christie Ebie, and his former personal assistant Mrs. Adebimpe Pogoson.

—Oluokun Ayorinde/ Abuja

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