Politics

James Ibori loses appeal against UK fraud conviction

Published

7 years ago

October 17, 2018

James Ibori, a former Delta State governor who was jailed in Britain for laundering tens of millions of dollars in stolen public funds through British banks and properties, lost an appeal against his conviction in London on Wednesday.

Ibori, who in his heyday was one of Nigeria’s most powerful men, pleaded guilty in a London court in 2012, to 10 counts of fraud and money-laundering involving sums amounting to at least $66 million.

He received a 13-year jail sentence of which he served half, as is common in the British system. Despite his guilty pleas, appealed against his conviction alleging that one of the London police officers who had investigated him, was himself corrupt and that the prosecution had covered that up.

Three senior appeal judges said the corruption of the police officer was not proven, but in any case it was irrelevant to Ibori’s conviction because if it had happened, he had instigated it.

The ruling will allow British prosecutors to resume efforts to confiscate tens of millions of dollars’ worth of assets and return them to Nigerian public coffers. The assets have been frozen for years while the case has been dragging through the courts.

During his eight years in office, Ibori enjoyed a jet-setting lifestyle, buying multi-million dollar properties in England, South Africa and the United States as well as a Bentley, a Jaguar and other luxury cars. At the time of his arrest, he was in the process of buying a $20-million Bombardier private jet.

Politics

Nigeria on the Brink of Historic Expansion: New States to be Created

Published

2 days ago

July 16, 2025

lagoslately

A major development is underway in Nigeria, as the Senatorial Committee’s nationwide tour on state creation has reached its conclusion. The committee’s efforts are expected to lead to the establishment of new states across the country’s six geopolitical zones.

Here are the proposed new states:

South West:

Ijebu State (from Ogun State)
Ibadan State (from Oyo State)

South East:

Anim State (from parts of Anambra and Imo States)
Adada State (from Enugu State)

South South:

Toru-Ibe State (from parts of Ondo, Edo, and Delta States)
Obolo State (from Akwa Ibom State)

North East:

Savanna State (from Borno State)
Amana State (from Adamawa State)

North West:

Tiga State (from Kano State)
Gurara State (from Southern Kaduna)

North Central:

Okura State (from Kogi State)
Apa State (from Benue State)

This historic expansion is poised to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape and usher in a new era of development and growth.

News

Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari Dies at 82

Published

5 days ago

July 13, 2025

lagoslately

Nigeria is in mourning as news breaks of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The elder statesman reportedly passed away in the early hours of today at the age of 82.

Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s President from 2015 to 2023, was known for his anti-corruption stance, military background, and strong influence on Nigeria’s political landscape for over four decades. Before his civilian presidency, he also ruled as military head of state from 1983 to 1985.

Sources close to the family confirmed his peaceful passing at his Daura residence in Katsina State, surrounded by loved ones. Official statements from the presidency and his family are expected soon.

Tributes have started pouring in from across the nation and beyond, recognizing Buhari’s role in shaping Nigeria’s democratic journey and his dedication to national security and infrastructural development.

News

Akpabio Removes Natasha Akpoti as Chairman of The Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs

Published

1 week ago

July 10, 2025

lagoslately

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has made a major change in the leadership of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been removed as the Chair of the committee, and a new replacement has been named immediately.

Although no official explanation was given at the time of the announcement, the development has sparked conversations in political circles. Senator Natasha, known for her passion in representing diaspora-related matters, has not yet reacted publicly.