Former Governor of Delta State, James Onanefe Ibori on Monday entered a guilty plea before a Southwark Crown Court in London where he was being tried on fraud and money laundering charges.
The corrupt ex-Governor pleaded guilty to 10-count charges of fraud, money laundering and corruption charges before Judge Anthony Pitts. This guilty plea has closed a chapter to a long judicial and political saga pertaining to his massive money laundering activities in his eight years as governor of one of Nigeria's major oil producing state.
According to lawyers, Mr. Ibori faces up to 10 years in UK prison during sentencing, which will take place after the completion of the trial of his accomplice, Elias Preko, a Ghanaian national.
His other accomplices – including his sister, Christine Ibie-Ibori; his associate, Udoamaka Okonkwo; and his wife, Theresa Nkoyo Ibori – have already received sentences between five and eight years for aiding the former governor’s illicit activities during his two-term tenure.
