Ibori Commits Crime In Dubai—In Desperate Bid To Stall Extradition

Sahara Reporters

22 March 2011

Ibori Commits Crime In Dubai—In Desperate Bid To Stall Extradition

SaharaReporters has just learnt that the delay in extraditing former Governor James Ibori to the UK has to do with a crime he reportedly committed in Dubai, which is part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Several sources in London and Nigeria, told SaharaReporters that Mr. Ibori, in a desperate attempt to forestall his physical transfer to the UK, deliberately committed another offence in Dubai. Our sources revealed that Mr. Ibori has now been "charged" with a yet undisclosed offense in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The offence would have to be disposed of first before the authorities in Dubai could transfer him to the UK.

“Yes, we know that Mr. Ibori is in some kind of legal trouble again,” said an official in Dubai. He added: “The authorities in the UAE may not reveal the specific nature of Mr. Ibori’s offence, but rest assured that we will first process him through the judicial system before handing him over.”

A few months ago, British prosecutors won a legal battle in UAE courts for Mr. Ibori’s extradition to face trial in the UK for billions of naira of Delta State funds that the former governor laundered with the aide of his associates using British financial institutions.