[ICYMI] UK Reopens Suit to Confiscate Ibori’s £89 Million Assets Monday

The rescheduled hearing on the confiscation of assets of former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori, kicks off on Monday, at the Southwark Crown Court in London.
Although the full hearing will not start until April 13, Monday’s date is technically part of the proceedings, as the court and lawyers for both the Crown (British government) and Ibori, will agree on the timetable. One of the investigators disclosed the planned start of the proceedings to the Daily Times, saying: “it is due to start on the 13th of April,” adding: “it may last for six weeks. However, there is a mention listed on the 30th of March , regarding the timetable and presentation.”
Though it is not yet clear if the former governor will be ordered to appear and give evidence this time round, considering how the case was terminated by the Judge in April last year, after about three weeks of hearing, the chances of Ibori opting not to give evidence are quite limited. When asked if the convicted former governor would give evidence at some point during the hearing, the Police detective told Daily Times: “it is a matter for Mr Ibori and we will have to wait and see.” He added: “I would suggest that he cannot hide behind his counsel if he wants to fight this litigation .” The situation may however be clear on Monday during the pre-hearing if the Crown tells the judge that they certainly need him in court to testify.
What is also not very clear, but which may also be evident on Monday, is if the current Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Lamorde, will be asked to come and give evidence in person. Before the hearing ended abruptly last year, the Crown’s Sasha Wass told the court that Lamorde and others could have come alongside former EFCC Chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to give evidence, but their visas could not be issued. It is very unlikely that they would not have secured his visa if they still need his evidence for the hearing this time.
Ibori is due for release this year, as he got his 13-year jail term slashed by a third when he was jailed at the same court by Judge Anthony Pitts a few years ago. However, the Daily Times source disclosed that the former Governor may still be kept behind bars, unless he sorts out any order that the court gives at the end of next month’s hearing. Asked for Ibori’s release date, the source said: “I have no idea. But should a confiscation order be imposed upon him, it is very likely he will receive a 10- year sentence in default, unless he pays the money within a certain period of time.”