AML / CFT : Spotlight on PEPs as Nigerian State Governor goes on trial in UK

Ibori was allegedly one of the recipients of the largesse of former Nigerian dictator Suni Abacha. It was often said that he regarded himself - and the money he held - as above the law. But in October 2009, at the request of the UK, Ibori was arrested in Dubai.

According to Nigerian blog site "nairaland.com" and "Saharareporters" which are dedicated to researching corruption and publicising it, Ibori has been before the UK's criminal courts before. But his convictions in 1991 1992 for theft from his then employer (he was, allegedly, a cashier for DIY chain Wickes - a far cry from being the governor of a state) (for which he was fined, along with his then girlfriend, now wife, Theresa Nakanda) and in 1992 for fraudulent use of a stolen American Express Card. Those convictions are now regarded as "spent" under UK English criminal law and reference cannot be made to them in the trial.

Challenges to his "fitness" to be governor of Delta State as a result of his convictions were swept aside.

But in May 2007, it is alleged, Ibori offered a bribe of USD15 million to Nuhu Ribadu, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,if he would get an investigation into Ibori's dealings dropped. It is alleged that the money - in cash - was hand-delivered to Ribadu's home - where Ribadu promptly handed it to his team to hold as evidence, says SaharaReporters. In December 2007, he was charged, in Nigeria, with more than 100 counts of a range of financial crimes.

In April 2010, the EFCC declared Ibori a fugitive - and asked for Interpol's help in tracking him down and securing his release. It was their second bite at the cherry: a court in Abuja had struck down the earlier charges. In addition to appealing that Order, the EFCC raised a pack of new charges and this time the Court ordered his arrest.

In the UK, Ibori, his sister Christine Ibie Ibori and his alleged mistress Uzoamaka Okonkwo were charged together - and their assets frozen in early 2010.

Ibori fought extradition from Dubai and in January this year was granted temporary release from jail there and held on bail due so as to receive specialist medical treatment. It was reported that he tried to claim political asylum but that the UAE authorities gave his application very short shrift. He was shipped off to the UK when the UAE courts found that the extradition request was proper and there was a case to answer.In April 2011, Dubai released him into the custody of the UK Authorities and he was immediately flown to London where he has been in custody since.

Ibori has an active page on Facebook. which, apart from (ironically) the odd get-rich-quick scheme being posted there, is almost entirely filled with strong messages of support - many of which are couched in extraordinarily strong religious terms.

Ibori's supporters crowded the court to overflowing. The hearing was a formality: to take pleas to the several charges. The case proper will begin on 22 July, 2011.

But those charged with him have already been tried and sentenced: Christine Ibie Ibori and his alleged mistress Uzoamaka Okonkwo were convicted in June 2010. On charges of money laundering, both women were sentenced to five years in jail.