Ibori Trial: Hundreds of Supporters Storm London Court

Elombah.com

24 June 2011

Ibori Trial: Hundreds of

Supporters Storm London Court

       

As the preliminary trial of James Ibori begins today, about 110 supporters were in Southwark Crown Court to demonstrate support for the embattled former Delta State Governor. Sporting “Free Ibori” and "Deltans wants Ibori back home" T-shirts, 50 of such supporters were said to have travelled all the way from Nigeria to the UK to demonstrate their support. James Onanefe Ibori, former governor of the oil-rich Delta state, was extradited from Dubai to face 25 charges relating to money laundering and fraud. The 52-year-old was arrested in Dubai last May and lost an appeal against his  extradition. He denies the allegations.

Today’s preliminary hearing started today by 12 mid day.

Sporting a dark blue suit and white shirt, Ibori appeared before Judge Rivlin QC, the Hon Recorder of Westminster, in Suit number T20117192; Mr Ibori was brought into the court at exactly 12:15 pm, and only spoke to confirm his name.

Elombah.com corresponded in London reports that He looked trim and clean shaven and waved to his supporters at the end of hearing. The crowd waved back in response with shouts of Ogidigborigbo.

Opening the hearing, the lead prosecuting counsel, MS Wass explained that there are two trials to be conducted against Ibori. She asked the court for the trials to be joined. 

Stating that ‘this is a fairly straightforward case’, she argued that since Ibori’s counsel was already seised of the matter having the defence counsel in the Udoamaka Okoronkwo case, there is no reason why the matter could  not be concluded before Christmas.

She asked the Court to handle the first matter for July and the second hearing in November. After going for a short recess, the Court set the next hearing date for 22 July 2011, by 10:00 am