Ibori Arrested In Dubai

San Francisco, May 12, (THEWILL) – THEWILL has confirmed that Chief James Onanefe Ibori has been arrested in Dubai, UAE.

THEWILL can also authoritatively report he was picked up by the INTERPOL a few minutes ago via a United Kingdom warrant of arrest.

THEWILL source in Dubai said the fugitive former governor will be extradited to London to face charges of money laundering.

Some associates and relatives of Mr. Ibori are currently facing criminal charges bordering on money laundering in a London court.

The British government had gotten a London court to freeze all Ibori's assets in the UK and Canada before applying to the Nigerian government under late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua to extradite Mr. Ibori to London to face various charges including money laundering. The request was however frustrated by the former Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Michael Aondooaka. 

Chief Ibori fled the shores of Nigeria a few days ago after he was declared wanted by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following its investigation into how Delta State Government shares were used by Ascot, a company linked to him, to purchase Wilbros, an oil servicing company during his tenure as governor. Mr. Ibori has however denied any wrong doing.

If convicted in London, the politician may be put in prison for upto five years or more.