Okowa, others prepare for Ibori’s return from UK prison


Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and other associates of his predecessor, James Ibori, are preparing for his release from prison in London, the United Kingdom (UK) in 2016, an investigation by our correspondent has revealed.

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”.

[b]Investigations by our 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.

The Communication Manager to the governor, Mr Jackson Ekwugum, who was contacted on the matter, declined comment.

But a close source to the government told our correspondent that Okowa’s regular emissaries to Ibori included a former chairman of the state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), an influential member of the State Transition Committee and official of the state organ which manages 13 per cent revenue accruing to oil communities.

The source said: “Ibori was instrumental to Okowa’s emergence as the candidate of the PDP as well as victory in the April governorship election. The governor is only showing his gratitude by giving Ibori’s allies key positions in his State Executive Council (Exco).

“Ms Erhiatake (‘Take) Ibori, daughter of the former governor, a first-time member of the House of Assembly, stunned political analysts when she emerged the chairman of the influential House Committee on Finance and Appropriation.[/b]

“The Managing Director of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Chief Williams Makinde, is a protégé of the former governor, who was instrumental to his emergence as DESOPADEC’s chief. Apart from being from Ibori’s clan, their relationship runs deep and it was Ibori who single-handedly made Makinde the National Treasurer of the PDP.”

Makinde was recently accused to using DESOPADEC to give N350 million lifeline to a near-comatose newspaper owned by the former governor.

There were also reports of contracts to Ibori through his daughter, including for the supply of vehicles to DESOPADEC.

But Makingde denied the reports in a statement by his spokesman, Prince Victor Orhomonokpaye.

He said the alleged transfer of DESOPADEC’s funds to the newspaper was unfounded.

Also, a worker of Ibori’s Western Delta University, Oghara, told our correspondent at the weekend that the institution was getting “assistance” from the state government.

The source, who spoke in confidence, added: “We have been assured that things will improve when our Oga returns to the country. We are beginning to see the signs.”

A check at the university’s permanent site in Ibori’s home town revealed that construction had picked up. The Vice Chancellor, Prof Austin Asagba, last month, told reporters that the school would move to its permanent site in March 2016 – about the time Ibori is expected to be released.

Our correspondent’s investigation revealed that the embattled former governor may yet face further trial in Nigeria when he returns.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is reportedly planning to appeal his controversial acquittal by an Asaba Court in 2009.

Shortly before he fled Nigeria in 2010, the EFCC had reopened investigation into allegations that Ibori used the state as security to borrow N40 billion.


http://thenationonlineng.net/okowa-others-prepare-for-iboris-return-from-uk-prison/

Ibori is probably Delta's most loved politician.

Welcome back. Beware we now have a new government.

If he is wise, he should remain outside the country for now till the Polity calms down. Or Else, As soon as he comes back , EFCC & DSS will have him as guest

huntila:
If he is wise, he should remain outside the country for now till the Polity calms down. Or Else, As soon as he comes back , EFCC & DSS will have him as guest

He does not have a choice on the matter.
When you convicted of a crime in another country.
On completion of the sentence, YOU are DEPORTED back to your country, in this case. Ibori will be forcefully kept in a plane and flown back to Nigeria.

He cannot tell the British authorities, I want to go to Dubai or the Caribbean.

In addition, he can kiss ever visiting USA and other Western nations goodbye, till his death. He will not be issued Visa.
The truth is Ibori has been reduced despite all the noise his supporters will make here or offline.

A lesson to others.
Seun
Mynd44... Let Nigerians see how investigation and sentencing is carried out. The British police nabbed Ibori with forensic evidence and provided irrefutable case.

Are they like celebrating him or what?

Psalm18:

He does not have a choice on the matter.
When you convicted of a crime in another country.
On completion of the sentence, YOU are DEPORTED back to your country, in this case. Ibori will be forcefully kept in a plane and flown back to Nigeria.

He cannot tell the British authorities, I want to go to Dubai or the Caribbean.

In addition, he can kiss ever visiting USA and other Western nations goodbye, till his death. He will not be issued Visa.
The truth is Ibori has been reduced despite all the noise his supporters will make here or offline.

A lesson to others.
Seun
Mynd44... Let Nigerians see how investigation and sentencing is carried out. The British police nabbed Ibori with forensic evidence and provided irrefutable case.

Ibori is an overlord and kingmaker in Delta, you can keep your rants to yourself.

Once a criminal. ..

How is 2012 + 13 = 2016 kwanu? That's the part I'm still finding difficult to comprehend.


[UPDATE] Once again Nigerians spread wrong information as gospel truth. Not to worry, we're all here to learn. Did a Google search on the claim a prison day is equal to half a real day and the saying is a myth. Ibori is only coming back either because of a prison swap program or he's released on good behavior.

Source to clarify the prison days myth: https://www.quora.com/Is-it-true-that-a-day-in-prison-is-counted-as-2-days

13years 2010-2016...uhmmm

Rad1cal:


Ibori is an overlord and kingmaker in Delta, you can keep your rants to yourself.

He is a common thief.

kokoA:
He is a common thief.

Just like Tinubu. Yea !

Rad1cal:


Ibori is an overlord and kingmaker in Delta, you can keep your rants to yourself.

You are an ignoramus on this matter.
Your lord and master is bounded in two inches iron in faraway London with common criminals and thieves that he is. Hope his arsse has not been busted
Do you want to spring him up or you exhibit this bravery only over the internet.

Rad1cal:


Just like Tinubu. Yea !

Na who go prison be thief

Psalm18:


[s]You are an ignoramus on this matter.
Your lord and master is bounded in two inches iron in faraway London with common criminals and thieves that he is. Hope his arsse has not been busted
Do you want to spring him up or you only brave over the internet. [/s]

**** Ibori remains the godfather of Delta State politics even while in prison.

kokoA:
Na who go prison be thief

For ya mind.

They can welcome their son back for all I care and continue to grapple with poverty misery and under development.
Say no to thieves and treasury looter's!

Rad1cal:


Ibori is an overlord and kingmaker in Delta, you can keep your rants to yourself.

He is just a thief, nothing more. I wonder how Africans and Nigerians think, someone stole billions of Naira belonging to the poorest set of people in the world and those same people don't see how grave and inhuman that is. I don't blame many of these people, the don't understand how a human being should live.

Can someone explain to me the rationale behind his release of 13yrs sentence in 2016 from 2012.

charix:
How is 2012 + 13 = 2016 kwanu? That's the part I'm still finding difficult to comprehend.

There is somrthing called prisoner swaps between sovereign nations. Ibori is a high target criminal who looted the State. Im not sure but I suspect he is being swapped for a Briton in Nigerian jail. If thats the case, he will spend the rest of the sentence in his home country, Nigeria. So law enforcement will be waiting for him on arrival for forward transfer to prison for the remaining 9yrs of his sentence abroad. If EFCC reopen his case and he is tried and found guilty the judge might add more years to run concurrently or give recognition and commute his sentence to time served.

MayorofLagos:


There is somrthing called prisoner swaps between sovereign nations. Ibori is a high target criminal who looted the State. Im not sure but I suspect he is being swapped for a Briton in Nigerian jail. If thats the case, he will spend the rest of the sentence in his home country, Nigeria. So law enforcement will be waiting for him on arrival for forward transfer to prison for the remaining 9yrs of his sentence abroad. If EFCC reopen his case and he is tried and found guilty the judge might add more years to run concurrently or give recognition and commute his sentence to time served.

Thank you for the explanation. Thank you very much. Once that man's feet touch down naija he's a free man two days later, is it not this country again? Worst case scenario he might decamp to APC to make this a possibility but once he's free, na to acquire another political position once again and the cycle continues.

charix:

Thank you for the explanation. Thank you very much. Once that man's feet touch down naija he's a free man two days later, is it not this country again? Worst case scenario he might decamp to APC to make this a possibility but once he's free na to acquire another political position once again and the cycle continues.

Yw.

Ibori will not be freed. There are people who know how to steal and with sophistication..and then there are those who steal like a thug...reckless and unpolished with the stolen loot. Ibori is the second type.
He can change state of origin and become citizen of Katsina if he like....he is going in, no freedom.

What the govt may do is unleash him like you do a wild cat in a cage or fenced arena. He cant escape anywhere. So govt might allow him to reunite with his base and since he commands power in Delta, hang the case over his head as collateral to deliver Delta to APC.

Rad1cal:


While you are an unknown worthless entity online, Ibori remains the godfather of Delta State politics even while in prison.

Lol

You are pained. I understand.
I pity people of Delta if Ibori is your hero.

jstbeinhonest:
Ibori is probably Delta's most loved politician.

And what does that say about people of Delta State?

MayorofLagos:


There is somrthing called prisoner swaps between sovereign nations. Ibori is a high target criminal who looted the State. Im not sure but I suspect he is being swapped for a Briton in Nigerian jail. If thats the case, he will spend the rest of the sentence in his home country, Nigeria. So law enforcement will be waiting for him on arrival for forward transfer to prison for the remaining 9yrs of his sentence abroad. If EFCC reopen his case and he is tried and found guilty the judge might add more years to run concurrently or give recognition and commute his sentence to time served.

Doubt it's a swap. The current British government has been working on repatriating prisoners back to their countries to serve out their terms there. British jails are full of foreign prisoners. If I remember correctly they even went as far as offering to build jails in Jamaica just to repatriate the ones from Jamaica back there.

sen8or:
Welcome back. Beware we now have a new government.

You v a new government. So wot

So happy they finally speak about it...can't wait for him to come out..we love you

The must loved politician in Delta? Maybe the Deltans need re-orientation

EFCC will also be eager to have him return.

good

Rad1cal:


Ibori is an overlord and kingmaker in Delta, you can keep your rants to yourself.

shame on u. Coming here to support a criminal.

i read some comments and i weep 4 dis country.imagine sum1 stole d funds meant 4 d populace and was jailed and some idiots can still refer to him has thr hero.Lord pls save our country 4rm dis total mess