Dubai court frees James Ibori
A former governor of Delta State, James Onanefe Ibori was, Saturday
morning set free from detention by a court in Dubai, the United Arab
Emirates.
Mr Ibori, who is facing a deportation request from the
London Metropolitan Police for trial in the United Kingdom to face
corruption charges, was freed on health grounds. The health of the
former governor is said to have deteriorated while in detention and he
is said to be suffering from high blood pressure.
A senior
government official confirmed the release of Mr Ibori. He however stated
that the decision was purely that of the Dubai justice official. The
official, who expressed shock at the news, however said the judgement of
the Dubai court ‘does not have anything to do with the charges Ibori is
facing here.’
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity
because he is not authorized to speak, also said he did not believe Mr
Ibori will return to Nigeria from Dubai. There has, however, been wild
celebration in Oghara and parts of Delta State, where freedom parties
are being arranged in honour of the former governor.
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