The United Kingdom Prosecutor that is currently trying the former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori for multiple frauds on Monday indicted the former Chieftain of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stressing that he stylishly defrauded the South-South State during his tenure as its Chief Executive.
The Prosecuting Counsel, QC Sasha Weils, in his closing remarks before the Southwark Crown Court said that: “Mr. James Onanefe Ibori systematically and deliberately defrauded his people during his tenure as governor of Delta State of Nigeria”
Mr. Weils who said that Mr. Ibori who was jailed in 1991 and 1992 in London committed too many frauds totaling ?50 million to maintain his lavish lifestyle also noted that the accused person had violated the Nigerian constitution Section 182 and Section 181(1) when he contested the governorship election less than 10 years after he was jailed in the United Kingdom.
Ibori’s trial was originally scheduled to commence in London’s Southwark Crown Court on February 27 only for him to plead guilty to 10 charges of fraud and money laundering.
Though, it is said that Ibori opted for a plea bargain in the hope of receiving a lighter sentence, investigations revealed that the prosecution, in closing its case, will push for a maximum sentence which could be a life jail term for the former governor.
The defense team, not wanting to prolong the case, is praying for a light sentence after Ibori pleaded guilty to fraud and money laundering charges as the corruption charges were subsequently dropped.
Ibori was brought into court at 11:15am wearing a grey suit, black tie and vest and was docked in a glass-covered cubicle.
Ibori beaming with confidence sat on one of the 3 seats in the cubicle with his hair almost turning grey.
As the prosecution team closed its case today (Monday), Ibori’s defense team is expected to make its allocutus tomorrow (Tuesday) before the judge will pass the sentence.
