Anti-Corruption Group Endorses Ibori’s Repatriation but Warns Government Against Amnesty

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Friday, January 10th, 2014

Kayode Adelowokan, Lagos

The Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL) has lauded the proposed repatriation of former Delta State Governor, Mr. James Ibori, to complete his jail term in Nigeria.

Convicted Ex Delta Gov James Ibori,

Nigeria and the United Kingdom had signed an agreement on Thursday, January 9, 2014, on the exchange of prisoners between them.

Under the agreement, high-profile prisoners like former Governor James Ibori of Delta State, and other Nigerians in the UK prisons will be transferred to Nigeria to complete their jail terms.

Speaking on behalf of the Coalition, its Executive Chairman, Debo Adeniran commended the agreement but warned against using the repatriation as an avenue to free the convict.

He said’ “It is a good thing that Ibori is coming to experience the poor condition of the Nigerian prison. At least he should be made to know that the prisons are not just for the commoners.

Well-meaning Nigerians actually wanted him to be prosecuted in Nigeria and be made to serve his jail term here, so it is a welcome idea. It should however not be used as an avenue to grant Ibori amnesty just like the former Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.

Likewise, Ibori completing the jail term handed him by the United Kingdom court should not be misconstrued as the jail term he ought to serve for the offences he committed before running to Dubai from where he was repatriated to the UK.

When he finishes his 13-year jail term, he should be prosecuted based on the charges preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission because he only pleaded guilty to the minutest fraction of the charges in the UK Court.”