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Tag: Ibori

  • Ibori: Court to hear Delta government’s application July 10

    Ibori: Court to hear Delta government’s application July 10

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed July 10 for the hearing of a application by Delta State Government, seeking to claim the $15million bribe allegedly offered former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu, by jailed ex-Delta State Governor, James Ibori.

    The bribe was allegedly meant by Ibori to stop the commission from further investigating him for the “alleged massive looting” of the state treasury while in office.

    Justice Gabriel Kolawole fixed the date on Monday following a recent ruling by the Court of Appeal, Abuja, striking out an application by a Lagos-based refrigerator repairer, Olalekan Bayode seeking to halt further hearing in a suit pending the hearing of his appeal.

    When the case was called, parties were set to argue the application by Delta State, but the court said it was inconvenient in view of its tight schedule and directed them to choose a fresh date

    The Federal Government had applied to the court for an order of forfeiture and to direct the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), where Ribadu had lodged the bribe money he rejected, to release it to the government should no one showed up to claim the money.

    Delta State government later came forward to claim the ownership of the money.

    It claimed that Ibori, being the state governor when the bribe money was offered, must have taken the money from the state’s coffers.

    Before Delta State’s application could be heard, Bayode applied that he should be appointed as a manager to disburse the money to the needy people in the society, especially widows and orphans through a charitable organization.

    He applied to be joined in the case and prayed that the money to be released to him.

    In a ruling, Justice Kolawole dismissed Bayode’s application for being frivolous and lacking in merit.

     

     

     

     

     

  • How British police exposed Babalakin’s alleged N3.4b deal with Ibori

    How British police exposed Babalakin’s alleged N3.4b deal with Ibori

    The London Metropolitan Police blew the lid off the N3.4billion allegedly laundered through Mauritius for ex-Governor James Ibori to buy a Challenger jet, sources said yesterday.

    Embattled Bi-Courtney chair Olawale Babalakin and four others have been charged to court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFFC) over how the money was wired.

    The others are Alex Okoh, Stabilini Visioni Limited, Bi-Courtney Limited and Remix Nigeria Limited.

    They are also to face a 27-count charge in the High Court of Lagos State , Ikeja Division, bordering on the siphoning of $11.3million abroad for Ibori through Erin Aviation Account in Mauritius.

    It is believed in some political and business circles that the filing of charges against the five suspects was not aimed at witch-hunting Babalakin, who is a reputable player in the construction and aviation sectors. A government source, who pleaded not to be named, debunked such insinuations yesterday.

    Besides, it was gathered that the alleged laundering of N3.4billion was discovered during the London Met Police’s comprehensive investigation into Ibori’s activities.

    It was also learnt that after the ex-governor was convicted, the Met Police made its investigation report available to the EFCC for “Nigerian content” of others allegedly implicated in the money laundering.

    It was learnt that some evidence from the UK police might be tendered during the trial of the suspects.

    A source conversant with the investigation said: “The Metropolitan Police and the EFCC established that the money in question was transferred from Delta State Government account to some companies owned by Babalakin and it was further laundered through Erin Aviation Account in Mauritius to a company in Canada where the Challenger aircraft was bought.

    “All the transaction documents will be tendered during the trial of the five suspects. If the court deems it fit, relevant desk officers in Met Police might be invited to give evidence during the trial.

    “Once the trial takes off, the public will have access to the records of the court, including the proof of evidence.

    “This is certainly a case involving joint collaboration between Metropolitan Police and the EFCC.”

    Another source said: “After getting some clues from Met Police, it will not speak well of our anti-corruption campaign for the EFCC not to step into the matter.

    “Do not forget that we have bilateral agreement with the UK on money laundering and other related crimes.”

    On alleged witch-hunt of Babalakin, the government source said: “This trial has nothing to do with the termination of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway contract as being insinuated.

    “Government took note of Babalakin’s roles as a critical local investor and made sure the EFCC went about its investigation in the best international practices.

    “In fact, when Babalakin was initially arrested and grilled, the EFCC did not make it a media issue. The businessman was given a fair hearing and decent treatment.

    “The case became public knowledge and attracted controversy when he did not fully honour his commitment to appear for arraignment in court. This commitment was part of the conditions which made the EFCC to grant him an administrative bail.

    “President Goodluck Jonathan is not a vindictive leader at all; he has no cause to witch-hunt or frustrate Babalakin because of his closeness to any former President.

    “The suspect is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN); he knew what transpired during his interaction with the EFCC. He also wrote statements on oath; he should tell the public his testimony to the EFCC.”

    Barring last-minute hitches, the trial of Babalakin and others will begin next Thursday.

    The charge sheet, dated November 21, 2012 was filed by A.M. Yusuf, Esq. on behalf of the EFCC and the Attorney-General of the Federation.

    All the suspects will be arraigned in court for alleged “conspiracy to commit felony, to wit: corruptly conferring benefit on account of public action, contrary to Section 516 of the Criminal Code Law, CAP. C17, Laws of Lagos State, 2003.”

    They are also to respond to allegation of “corruptly conferring benefit on account of public action, contrary to Section 98A (1) (a) of the Criminal Code Law, CAP. C17, Laws of Lagos State, 2003.”

    The third peg of their trial borders on alleged “retention of proceed of a criminal conduct, contrary to Section 17(a) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004.”

     

  • Ibori’s N50 million pension

    SIR: “He was never the legitimate governor and there was effectively a thief in government house. As the pretender of that public office, he was able to plunder Delta state’s wealth and hand out patronage”. Prosecution QC Sasha Wass (speaking about James Onanefe Ibori).

    Despite efforts by Delta Government to defend payment of 50 million naira pension into ex-Governor Ibori’s account,the rationale in favour of this infamous decision lacks any moral justification.

    With gusto, the Delta State commissioner of information tried to insulate Ibori’s treasury looting and other misdemeanor from his pension entitlement. The trend is very common in our clime, where, despite glaring and overwhelming evidence, white suddenly becomes black.

    It is even insulting, repulsive and demeaning that the same Delta State is still spending a fortune in legal fees trying to retrieve Ibori’s $15million dollars bribe to EFCC in court. A flood-ravaged state in need of funds to revamp its economy should not be thinking of compensating a felon who milked them dry.The policy thrust of the government should be the people first and foremost.

    The rate of violent crimes are increasing in Nigeria today primarily due to massive corruption in high places, because funds that should have been freed to socially secure unemployed citizens are diverted or trapped in private pockets. Dwindling industrial base leading to job loses, reckless elite, a vicious ideologically driven violent terrorists in the north and quasi zero spending on social security to tame increasing redundant population are recipe for disaster. How do we intend to tame this monster? We are not getting it!

    As a criminal that captured the governor’s office by altering and concealing his criminal records, identity and looted state’s treasury, Ibori and his cronies across the federation should be barred from accessing state fund or benefit (pension). If felons enjoy state funds via pension, then what is wrong dedicating funds to appease Boko-Haram, kidnappers, armed-robbers and other miscreants? After all, the root of these violent crimes are attributable to greed, recklessness and shortsightedness of our elite.

    Or is someone saying some criminals are more handsome than others?

    Paying Ibori pension from the resources of the state he looted has serious consequence, precedence and signal. We must pay serious attention to our sense of reward!

    • Akinola M.A.

    Verona-Italy

  • Ibori’s $15m : Court rejects request to summon Clark

    Ibori’s $15m : Court rejects request to summon Clark

    A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, refused oral application to summon the prominent South-South leader, Chief Edwin Clark, over his comment on the controversial $15 million traced to the convicted former Delta State Governor, James Ibori.

    Ibori allegedly offered the money as bribe to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Clark had called for the sack of the EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde, over the needless controversy generated by the money.

    At the resumed hearing of the suit by the commission, seeking forfeiture of the money to the Federal Government, the EFCC lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) criticized the elder statesman for commenting on the issue already before the court for adjudication.

    Ruling on the request to invite Clark, Justice Gabriel Kolawole, who said the application was diversionary, pointed out that Clark is neither a party nor counsel in the matter before him.

    He, however, said the commission is at the liberty to file a formal application to summon Clark before him.

    Meanwhile, a London- based lawyer, John Olufemi Aina has filed an application on behalf of an individual, Olalekan Kayode asking the court to remit the $15 million bribe money to him on trust for the public.

    Aina asked the court not to forfeit the money to the federal government on the grounds that all the looted funds recovered by the federal government from the family of the late General Sani Abacha, Cecilia Ibru, ex-Governor Joshua Dariye up to Halliburton were re-looted by government officials.

    He said he will constitute a trust committee on behalf of Nigerians who shall determine what project to execute with it for the benefit of the general public.

    Before adjourning hearing till November 11, Justice Kolawole asked parties to serve all pending applications.

    Clark had accused Lamorde of displaying gross incompetence in the manner he was handling the case, adding that “Nigeria desires a more serious body to fight corruption not the EFCC, the one being led by Lamorde.”

    The elder statesman said there was no controversy over the ownership of the money as being insinuated by the anti graft agency in the suit before the Federal High Court, Abuja.

    Clark said the EFCC, Achibogu and all involved in the forfeiture suit filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, should be probed to put the battle against corruption on the front burner of our “body polity.”

    “As at today, the EFCC as presently constituted cannot fight corruption because it lacks the will, courage and determination, as the James Ibori $15 million bribe had revealed. The EFCC should be made of men of honour and probity.

    “Despite the opinion some may hold on Ibrahim Lamorde the present Executive Chairman of the EFCC, he should be investigated for the unholy roles he had played in the James Ibori saga”, Clark added.

    He was of the opinion that the money might have been offered as bribe to Ribadu to compromise him on the allegations of N120 billion supplementary budget fraud levelled against the former governor.

     

     

  • Ibori’s $15m bribe: Clark calls for Lamorde’s sack

    Ibori’s $15m bribe: Clark calls for Lamorde’s sack

    IJAW leader Chief Edwin Clark has called for the sack of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, over the “shoddy handling” of the controversial $15 million bribe offered to the commission by former Delta State Governor James Ibori.

    Speaking with reporters yesterday in Abuja, Clark said Delta State elders, and Stakeholders, in September, 2009, petitioned the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) demanding that the money be returned to the state treasury.

    He said the needless controversy in which the money is shrouded by the suit filed by the EFCC has cast aspersions on the ability of the anti graft agency to fight corruption.

    Clark said: “Lamorde has displayed gross incompetence in the manner he is handling the case. Nigeria desires a more serious body to fight corruption and not the EFCC being manned by Lamorde.”

    The elder statesman said there is no controversy over the ownership of the money as is being insinuated by the EFCC in the suit before the Federal High Court, Abuja.

    He said the EFCC and all involved in the forfeiture suit should be probed.

    Clark said: “The Ibori $15 million bribe scandal has revealed that the EFCC, as presently constituted, cannot fight corruption because it lacks the will, courage and determination to do so. The EFCC should be made up of men of honour and probity.

    “Despite the opinion some may hold of Lamorde, he should be investigated for the unholy role he played in the Ibori saga. Based on statements made by former EFCC Chairman Nuhu Ribadu; Lamorde, who was then the Director of Operations and James Garba, a staff of the commission, the ownership of the money is not in doubt, despite the fact that Ibori denied giving the bribe.”

    He said the money might have been offered as a bribe to Ribadu to compromise him on the allegations of the N120 billion supplementary budget fraud leveled against Ibori.

    Clark said: “Knowing that the $15 million bribe was originally part of the dropped charges in London Crown Court puts to rest the controversy about its ownership.

    “The affidavit sworn on August 10 by Bello Yahaya, a police officer attached to the commission, where he claimed that the money was of unknown origin, contains several contradictions, misinformation and lies. It makes one believe that there is more to the matter than meets the eyes.

    “The depositions ridicule the anti-corruption agency and portray it as not transparent, incompetent and uncommitted to the war against corruption.

    “Senator Andy Uba made a public statement about the source of the money and where it was given, which was widely circulated by the media. Yahaya lied when he claimed that the money was not collected from Uba but was merely picked from his residence.

    “This again is deliberate and unexpected from the anti-corruption agency. Yahaya claimed that Uba denied having anything to do with the money and refused to make any statement in respect of the matter. This is another deceit and cover-up by security agencies saddled with the anti-corruption war.

    “If Uba denied having anything to do with the money then, who gave them the order to collect the money in his house? Who gave them the money in his residence?”

    Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had granted an order forfeiting the money to the Federal Government, following an ex-parte application by the EFCC.

    Ibori allegedly offered the money as bribe to Ribadu through an undisclosed source in 2007.

    The money has since been kept in the CBN’s custody, after Ibori denied offering it to Ribadu.

    In an application filed to counter the forfeiture order, the Delta State Government claimed that the money belongs to it and should be returned to its treasury.

  • $15m Ibori bribe: Keyamo writes IGP over court order

    $15m Ibori bribe: Keyamo writes IGP over court order

    The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, was yesterday urged to evince fearlessness in carrying out a court order instructing him to investigate the direct criminal complaint filed by activist -lawyer Festus Keyamo, against Senator Andy Uba and businessman Chibuike Achigbu over the Ibori $15 million bribe.

    The Chief Magistrate Court, sitting in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, presided over by Chief Magistrate Okagu, had, on Monday, September 10, made an order directing the Inspector-General of Police to conduct a thorough criminal investigation against Senator Andy Uba and Chibuike Achigbu over allegations surrounding the $15 million Ibori bribe.

    The order, The Nation learnt, was made based on a Direct Criminal Complaint filed in the court by the lawyer against Uba and Achigbu, accusing them of conspiracy, abetment and bribery in respect of the $15 million Ibori bribe

    In a letter dated September 11, and entitled: Court Order to investigate a Direct Criminal Complaint against one Andy Uba and Chibuike Achigbu over $15 million Ibori Bribe,” Keyamo told the IGP: “Please find attached an order of the Chief Magistrate court, sitting in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, directing you to investigate the complaints contained in the Direct Criminal Complaint, filed by myself, against one Andy Uba and ChibuikeAchigbu.

    “As you can see, the said order was made on the 10th of September, 2012 and you are expected to report back to the court with your findings on this matter on the 26th of September, 2012 . As a result, time is of the essence in this investigation.

    “I only need to add that in conducting your investigation, I urge you to be upright, fearless, unbiased and to do your job according to the dictates of your conscience and the oath of your office, no matter whose ox is gored in the process. The heavens will not fall.”