Former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has said that James Ibori “stole or wasted” more than half of all the money that accrued to Delta state when he was governor from 1999 to 2007.
Ribadu spoke in evidence at the ongoing assets confiscation hearing against Mr Ibori at Southwark Crown Court in London yesterday.
He said the state earned more than $1 billion within the period, “so Ibori must have stolen or wasted $500 million (equivalent N80 billion) or more of Delta state money.”
Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Sasha Wass, Ribadu spent over one hour telling the court how the EFCC operated under him, investigated corruption cases, how Ibori tried to bribe his way out of being investigated, and how he (Ribadu) was forced to go into self-exile after attempts on his life by unknown assassins.
Ribadu told the court that EFCC’s decision to investigate Mr Ibori followed multiple petitions received from the people of Delta State against the former governor, who “got in touch with me when he realised that we had a solid case against him.
“James initiated communication with me by phone and in person when we were building up the case”.
Ribadu said “Ibori was desperate to meet me” and the two met “face-to-face” at different places in Abuja, including the Presidential Villa, adding that the ex-governor was asking for ways to stop the investigation on him by the commission.
Ribadu told the court that when Ibori offered to give him money to stop the investigation, “I decided to play along” to get an exhibit and also recover part of the money he stole from the coffers of Delta State.
Ribadu explained that prior to receiving the money, he had notified the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that they should expect money from the commission.
He said he went to meet the convicted ex-governor along with the current chairman of the EFFC, Ibrahim Lamorde, who was then head of operations, as well as other operatives, while Ibori came with two of his assistants.
Asked what happened after the money was collected, Malam Ribadu said the investigation continued but Ibori was incensed and insisted that he be given a “certificate of clearance” against prosecution.
Ribadu said the coming into office of late President Umaru Yar’Adua marked the beginning of the “dipping support” for the EFCC and interference in the activities of the commission by officials.
He said days after being sworn-in, the then minister for justice Mr Michael Aondoakaa wanted to take over prosecutorial powers of the EFCC, “but we resisted and fought him, and the Supreme Court interpreted the laws in our favour”.
Judge Anthony Pitts, who had to stop the court proceedings due to time constraint, said Ribadu should return today for cross examination by the defence counsel.
He said the state earned more than $1 billion within the period, “so Ibori must have stolen or wasted $500 million (equivalent N80 billion) or more of Delta state money.”
Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Sasha Wass, Ribadu spent over one hour telling the court how the EFCC operated under him, investigated corruption cases, how Ibori tried to bribe his way out of being investigated, and how he (Ribadu) was forced to go into self-exile after attempts on his life by unknown assassins.
Ribadu told the court that EFCC’s decision to investigate Mr Ibori followed multiple petitions received from the people of Delta State against the former governor, who “got in touch with me when he realised that we had a solid case against him.
“James initiated communication with me by phone and in person when we were building up the case”.
Ribadu said “Ibori was desperate to meet me” and the two met “face-to-face” at different places in Abuja, including the Presidential Villa, adding that the ex-governor was asking for ways to stop the investigation on him by the commission.
Ribadu told the court that when Ibori offered to give him money to stop the investigation, “I decided to play along” to get an exhibit and also recover part of the money he stole from the coffers of Delta State.
Ribadu explained that prior to receiving the money, he had notified the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that they should expect money from the commission.
He said he went to meet the convicted ex-governor along with the current chairman of the EFFC, Ibrahim Lamorde, who was then head of operations, as well as other operatives, while Ibori came with two of his assistants.
Asked what happened after the money was collected, Malam Ribadu said the investigation continued but Ibori was incensed and insisted that he be given a “certificate of clearance” against prosecution.
Ribadu said the coming into office of late President Umaru Yar’Adua marked the beginning of the “dipping support” for the EFCC and interference in the activities of the commission by officials.
He said days after being sworn-in, the then minister for justice Mr Michael Aondoakaa wanted to take over prosecutorial powers of the EFCC, “but we resisted and fought him, and the Supreme Court interpreted the laws in our favour”.
Judge Anthony Pitts, who had to stop the court proceedings due to time constraint, said Ribadu should return today for cross examination by the defence counsel.
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