Agroup, Rescue Nigeria Economy Project, yesterday faulted the ruling on the confiscation of 101.5 million pounds ($130 million) from former Delta State governor, Chief James Ibori.
Judge David Tomlinson, delivering the confiscation order at Southwark Crown Court, London, said Ibori should pay the sum immediately or face an eight-year jail sentence.
The group, in a statement by its Secretary, Dennis Alamu-George, said it is clear that the UK government, through Judge Tomlinson is not keen on seeking justice, but persecution of Ibori.
According to the group , it has never happened in the history of confiscation orders to ask for immediate payment as Judge Tomlinson ordered.
“For us, this is a very complex and complicated persecution. We have been following the matter between Ibori and the UK government and we strongly believe the issue goes beyond acts of corruption as the UK government wants the world to believe”.
“If you recall, when Ibori was to be released in December 2016, the Home Office made an application that he should be electronically tagged and subjected to strict curfew conditions.
” However, the application was rejected by Justice May who described the Home Secretary’s attempts to detain Ibori as “
quite extraordinary. While condemning the actions of the Home Office and ordering Ibori to be immediately freed from prison, Mrs Justice May said: “You don’t hold someone just because it is convenient to do so and without plans to deport them.”
“The judge also accepted arguments that the home secretary was attempting to misuse her immigration and deportation powers”.
“In the recent case, we unequivocally reject the order by the court that Ibori should make payments immediately or be jailed. By the judgment, Judge Tomlinson is trying to railroad Ibori into making payments.
“That to us, is abuse of fair hearing. He has promised to appeal the ruling up to the Supreme Court level in UK. That fundamental rights should be respected.
“The circumstances surrounding his incarceration in 2012 is still being debated by his people who see him as the defender of their interests in the Niger Delta, especially on the issue of resource control. There are also interviews in which some have claimed his trial is politically motivated”
“Nigerians should stop being a lynch mob. They should calm down and let justice take its course. We back Ibori on his decision to appeal the judgment. If he is guilty, let the highest courts in UK decide. Judge Tomlinson cannot be the Alpha and Omega in a case he himself described as very complicated”.
“We implore the Nigerian government to assert its right as an independent nation and stand by her citizens, especially those who are being unnecessary victimised and oppressed by the so-called western nations. In this matter, the government should support Ibori’s decision to seek redress in the highest courts in the United Kingdom”.
“This is just the beginning of long years of litigations to come before any conclusions can be reached. We are fully in support of Ibori’s decision to appeal. Our hope is justice will prevail eventually” the group said.
