 |
Former Delta State Governor James Ibori Pleads Guilty to Multi-Million Pound Fraud and Money Laundering in UK Court.
London, UK – Former Delta State Governor James Ibori has admitted to widespread theft, fraud, and corruption during his tenure, pleading guilty at Southwark Crown Court to a series of charges. This admission significantly strengthens the prosecution's case in what is expected to be a landmark verdict.
Prosecutor Sasha Wass QC informed the court that Ibori had "tricked his way into public office" by using a false date of birth to conceal prior criminal convictions, which would have disqualified him from running for governor in Nigeria. His actual age is 49, but the date of birth used for his Nigerian election bid would make him 53. This deception, the prosecutor stated, meant Ibori was never the legitimate governor of Delta State.
Detective Inspector Paul Watmore revealed that Ibori is estimated to have stolen approximately £250 million from Delta State. While the court's focus is on the charges he admitted to, Ibori's guilty plea to fraud totaling nearly £50 million is considered part of this larger embezzlement, which could indeed exceed £250 million.
Ibori pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to launder money, five counts of money laundering, and one count of obtaining a property transfer by deception, related to the theft of over £25 million while he was governor. He also admitted to conspiracy to defraud, conspiracy to make false instruments, and one count of money laundering in connection with a $37 million US share fraud involving the sale of shares in the Nigerian company VMobile.
The court heard that Ibori and his wife, Theresa Ibori, were charged in 1990 with stealing goods from a DIY hardware store where Ibori worked as a cashier, resulting in a £300 fine. In 1991, he was also convicted of handling a stolen credit card and fined £100.
Ibori is scheduled to be sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on April 16th of this year. His wife, Theresa Ibori, his sister, Christine Ibori, his associate, Udoamaka Okoronkwo, and his lawyer, Bhadresh Gohil, have already been convicted and are serving jail time for money laundering offenses related to this case.
