James Ibori, the former governor of Delta State, has expressed his determination to appeal a recent United Kingdom court ruling. The ruling, delivered by Judge David Tomlinson of the Southwark Crown Court, ordered the confiscation of £101.5 million linked to him. Ibori was given an ultimatum to pay the sum immediately or face an eight-year jail sentence.
Taking to his Facebook page to respond to the ruling, Ibori stated his intention to appeal against the confiscation order, which stands as one of the largest ever imposed on an individual in recent British legal history. He expressed disbelief at the court’s decisions against him, but remained hopeful that justice and fairness would ultimately prevail.
Despite the British prosecutors’ failure to provide any evidence of funds defrauded or missing from Delta State, Ibori claimed he has come to terms with his fate. He highlighted that his assets have been under investigation since 2005, and their total value falls short of the amount subject to the recent confiscation order. Additionally, Ibori disputed the ownership of certain assets that were included in the ruling.
The ex-governor expressed concerns over the practicality of the immediate payment demanded by the court, considering the potential time it might take to sell the restrained assets. He also mentioned the possibility of an eight-year default sentence if he fails to cooperate and pay, but stated that the restraint order on his assets already prevents this situation.
Ibori criticized the judge’s impartiality and accused him of disregarding evidence and arguments in his favor. He found the judge’s order unrealistic and impossible to fulfill. Despite feeling frustrated and struggling to find words to describe his emotions, Ibori asserted his commitment to appeal the ruling and seek justice through the Court of Appeal.
The background of Ibori’s case includes his extradition from Dubai to London in 2011, after fleeing Nigeria. The following year, he confessed to ten charges of fraud and money laundering, leading to a 13-year prison sentence. In December 2016, he was released from prison following a court order, despite the Home Office’s desire to keep him detained after his jail term.
As Ibori’s legal battle continues, his release from prison and the ongoing developments surrounding his case have been the subject of significant attention and discussion.
Source: CHANNELS
