Former Delta state governor James Ibori, who was recently released from a British prison after serving a sentence for corruption, has spoken of his intention to make a political comeback.
The politician is making his return to society after being extradited to Britain, where he plead guilty in 2012 to 10 counts of fraud and money-laundering.
The case was viewed as a high point in the fight against corruption, although its credibility is currently under threat via allegations of misconduct by British authorities.
Ibori was released in December after serving half of his 13-year sentence whilst taking into account pre-trial detention. Speaking to Reuters he said “What happens in African politics – you are in it until you die. I am a politician, I will always be a politician. I play the politics in my party and in my country for the good of my people,” he said after a court hearing, part of ongoing legal proceedings in his case.
Ibori is adored in Delta for his Robin Hoodesque sharing of the loot. So much that a video later surfaced on YouTube of Ibori being feted in London by supporters including a sitting Delta State senator who said, to cheers, that Ibori had “made” the careers of several prominent Nigerian politicians while in prison. Ibori declined to authenticate this saying “The prison telephone is meant for keeping in touch … so you can reintegrate when you come out.” Asked if he would run for office again, Ibori said he was barred from doing so for 10 years because of his conviction, but that he intended to appeal to have that conviction overturned.
The appeal would center on an allegation, made by one of Ibori’s former associates, that a British police officer had taken bribes in return for inside information on the case before Ibori’s conviction, and that prosecutors had covered it up.
British police say the allegation was investigated, resulting in no arrests or charges.
The state prosecution service says material supporting the allegation exists and it initially failed to disclose that to Ibori’s defence team, but it is confident Ibori’s conviction remains valid. Court proceedings are ongoing.
Exclusive interview with convicted Nigerian money-launderer James Ibori on @BBCRadio4 at 1800. pic.twitter.com/WzN8BDI00z
— Mark Easton (@BBCMarkEaston) February 1, 2017