Just in: UK court orders Ibori’s immediate release from prison
A UK court has ordered the immediate release of former Delta state governor, James Onanefe Ibori from prison on Wednesday, December 21.
The Cable reports that associates of the former governor said the court ruled that Ibori be released before his confiscation trial begins.
Vanguard also confirms that the former governor was subsequently released from custody shortly after the ruling.
READ ALSO: What Nigerians have to say about Ibori's release
According to his media aide, Tony Elumenor, Ibori was released few minutes past noon in adherence to the court order.
Ibori was sentenced to 13-year imprisonment in the United Kingdom on corruption charges in April 17, 2012.
The home office wanted the court to resolve if the politician could be released without going through confiscation trial so they went to court for interpretation and it was resolved in Ibori’s favour.
The confiscation trial is to determine if his assets should be seized after serving his jail term.
Meanwhile, Asaba, the Delta state capital, is still pessimistic over the release of the former governor.
Former senator representing Delta central in the National Assembly, Chief Ighoyota Amori, in a text message to journalists confirmed that the Ibori has been released from the UK prison.
He said the release is without condition just as he congratulated and thanked all Deltans for supporting the former governor all through his days in the UK prison.
READ ALSO: James Ibori to spend Christmas in prison
But when asked when is Ibori is expected to visit Delta and the preparation of the people to receive him, Amori said his coming to Delta would be soon but without a specific date
He promised to keep Deltans posted when Ibori eventually arrives the state.
However, Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, a former media aide to Olorogun Otega Emerhor, also in a text message said Ibori may return to Delta state on December 23 as a red carpet is being prepared for him.
He said Ibori will return in a chartered jet through Heathrow airport to Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos.
He added that political associates and family members will give him a red carpet reception before jetting him to Osubi airstrip from where the convoy will take off for his palatial home in Oghara in Ethiope West, Delta state.
He said political observers believe that the return of Ibori to the state will open a new page for the politics of Delta state.
He also said some political observers are of the view that he may defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) since PDP folks contributed to his travails in the United Kingdom.
Source: Legit.ng
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