The crisis involving the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion and the Benin palace deepened on Wednesday with the declaration of Igbinedion as enemy of the Oba (Oghion Oba). Chief Igbinedion was also suspended and stripped of all the privileges attached to the Esama title indefinitely by the Oba of Benin, Omo N’oba Solomon Erediuwa II.
A statement by the Benin Traditional Council, signed by 98 palace chiefs led by the Iyase of Benin kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe, declared that any Benin person who relates with Chief Igbinedion as the ‘Esama’ would be seen as a hostile person to the palace.
The palace also disclosed that a panel of palace chiefs would soon be constituted to look into the cases of the five palace chiefs that were earlier suspended in respect of the Ugie-Ewere ceremony organized by the Esama.
According to the statement, “we, the entire palace Chiefs having taken notice of the unrelenting efforts at desecrating our revered traditional institution by Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama, and especially his malignant habit of presenting himself as our lord, His majesty, the Oba of Benin, and for other reason decide to meet and deliberate on the followings:
“Widespread sanctions placed on some offending palace chiefs. His recent utterances and publication in the newspapers using his university and other paid agents with the intention of causing disaffection between the palace and the general public.
” Besides, Chief Igbinedion was accused of awarding the royal, “Ikele” beads to his visitors just as he was also accused of not attending palace activities whenever the attention of chiefs and palace functionaries were required.The Esama was accused of illegal use of Uguakpata cap, hostility towards the Benin culture and tradition.It would be re-called that the Esama of Benin kingdom,
Chief Gabriel Igbinedion was accused by the palace of awarding “royal beads” to the visiting former Jamaican Prime Minister and the King of Ashanti kingdom, Osei Tutu when both men visited the Igbinedion University, Okada recently during its convocation ceremonies.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Igbinedion Remanded in EFCC Custody
The Federal High Court, Enugu yesterday remanded the former Edo State Governor, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after a 147-count-charge of money laundering and stealing was brought against him by the commission.
Igbinedion, who arrived the court at exactly 12.56 pm, was put in the dock at 1.25pm for over two hours, while the charges were read to him.
The former governor who appeared unruffled pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The Presiding judge, Justice Faji Olayinka, had suspended the charges brought against the fourth accused, Ekpen and Sons, as the company and representatives were said to be at large.
This followed an application to withdraw charges 147 to 156 by the counsel to the EFCC, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, when the judge observed that nobody appeared for the fourth accused.
Justice Olayinka had noted as the charges were being read to Igbinedion that there was no appearance for the fourth accused, a situation, he said, was wrong.
He said the companies named in the case should have appeared before the court for trial.
It was as a result of this he inquired if the EFCC counsel was prepared to apply for the withdrawal of the charges, which Jacobs did.
Ruling on the application for the withdrawal of the charges against the fourth accused, Justice Olayinka said the case could be brought before the court when EFCC succeeds in bringing the accused to appear in court.
However, after reading the charges against Igbinedion, the EFCC counsel informed the court that he had just been served with an application for bail for the accused,
He told the court he needed time to discuss with his clients in Abuja explaining that it would take him at least Monday to study the affidavit by counsel to Igbinedion, Mr. Adetunji Oyeyipo.
Responding, Oyeyipo told the court there was nothing contentious in the affidavit, adding that perhaps EFCC wanted to make something out of what he described as inconsequential.
Justice Olayinka told the counsel to file subsequent addresses in writing before February 1, after which the case would be argued.
He explained that due to a valedictory session for the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court sometime next week, he would not be able to hear the case until after January 28.
He then adjourned further hearing on the bail application brought by Igbinedion to February 4, explaining that on that date the court would adopt all addresses.
On the issue of custody of the ex-governor pending when his bail application will be determined, the court obliged the request of Igbinedion's counsel that his client be remanded in EFCC custody.
Yesterday’s arraignment of the former governor did not start early as Justice Olayinka had travelled to Abuja for the swearing-in ceremony of the new President of the Appeal Court.
He came back yesterday afternoon to commence the case.
He drove into the court premises around 12.22pm following which sitting started few minutes later.
Igbinedion was accompanied by top officials of EFCC in the state and armed operatives of the commission.
He was immediately led to the court room where he sat for some minutes before the court started sitting.
At first, Justice Olayinka on entering the court allowed Igbinedion to sit down in the dock but he later asked the ex-governor to stand up when the charges were being read to him.
Igbinedion, who returned to the country last Sunday, was detained on Monday by EFCC as he turned himself in.
True to his promise to make himself available to the commission, the former governor surrendered himself to EFCC around 12.30 pm on Monday.
EFCC had earlier declared him wanted for alleged money laundering and stealing of amounts totaling N2.9bn during his tenure following a warrant obtained from the Federal High Court Kaduna.
Igbinedion, who arrived the court at exactly 12.56 pm, was put in the dock at 1.25pm for over two hours, while the charges were read to him.
The former governor who appeared unruffled pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The Presiding judge, Justice Faji Olayinka, had suspended the charges brought against the fourth accused, Ekpen and Sons, as the company and representatives were said to be at large.
This followed an application to withdraw charges 147 to 156 by the counsel to the EFCC, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, when the judge observed that nobody appeared for the fourth accused.
Justice Olayinka had noted as the charges were being read to Igbinedion that there was no appearance for the fourth accused, a situation, he said, was wrong.
He said the companies named in the case should have appeared before the court for trial.
It was as a result of this he inquired if the EFCC counsel was prepared to apply for the withdrawal of the charges, which Jacobs did.
Ruling on the application for the withdrawal of the charges against the fourth accused, Justice Olayinka said the case could be brought before the court when EFCC succeeds in bringing the accused to appear in court.
However, after reading the charges against Igbinedion, the EFCC counsel informed the court that he had just been served with an application for bail for the accused,
He told the court he needed time to discuss with his clients in Abuja explaining that it would take him at least Monday to study the affidavit by counsel to Igbinedion, Mr. Adetunji Oyeyipo.
Responding, Oyeyipo told the court there was nothing contentious in the affidavit, adding that perhaps EFCC wanted to make something out of what he described as inconsequential.
Justice Olayinka told the counsel to file subsequent addresses in writing before February 1, after which the case would be argued.
He explained that due to a valedictory session for the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court sometime next week, he would not be able to hear the case until after January 28.
He then adjourned further hearing on the bail application brought by Igbinedion to February 4, explaining that on that date the court would adopt all addresses.
On the issue of custody of the ex-governor pending when his bail application will be determined, the court obliged the request of Igbinedion's counsel that his client be remanded in EFCC custody.
Yesterday’s arraignment of the former governor did not start early as Justice Olayinka had travelled to Abuja for the swearing-in ceremony of the new President of the Appeal Court.
He came back yesterday afternoon to commence the case.
He drove into the court premises around 12.22pm following which sitting started few minutes later.
Igbinedion was accompanied by top officials of EFCC in the state and armed operatives of the commission.
He was immediately led to the court room where he sat for some minutes before the court started sitting.
At first, Justice Olayinka on entering the court allowed Igbinedion to sit down in the dock but he later asked the ex-governor to stand up when the charges were being read to him.
Igbinedion, who returned to the country last Sunday, was detained on Monday by EFCC as he turned himself in.
True to his promise to make himself available to the commission, the former governor surrendered himself to EFCC around 12.30 pm on Monday.
EFCC had earlier declared him wanted for alleged money laundering and stealing of amounts totaling N2.9bn during his tenure following a warrant obtained from the Federal High Court Kaduna.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
EFCC Detains Igbinedion
Former governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, who returned to the country on Sunday, was detained as a “Special Guest” yesterday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) preparatory to his arraignment in court.
True to his promise to make himself available to the commission yesterday, Igbinedion surrendered himself to EFCC around 12.30 pm and was subsequently detained.
EFCC had earlier declared him wanted for alleged money laundering and stealing of amounts totalling N2.9bn during his tenure.
Yesterday, Igbinedion arrived at the commission's office on 15 Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, in a black Toyota Corolla car with registration number -Lagos EC274KRD.
He signed in at the front desk of the commission before being ushered into the main office of EFCC.
The former governor was escorted to the commission’s office by his lawyers, led by Adetunji Oyeyipo (SAN), and his younger brother, Dr. Fred Igbinedion.
One of the lawyers, who spoke briefly with THISDAY, said the former governor had already made a statement to the commission.
Igbinedion was in the custody of EFCC up till press time last night and there are indications that he may be charged to court soon.
EFCC had declared Igbinedion wanted after it obtained an order for his arrest from a Federal High Court, Abuja
It could not be ascertained last night if the former governor would be arraigned in Lagos or in Kaduna where EFCC had filed a 147-count charge of money laundering and abuse of office against the ex-governor.
The charge was filed at the Federal High Court, Kaduna before Justice Muhammed Lawal Shuaibu who is at present presiding the trial of former Delta State governor, Chief James Ibori, also for alleged money laundering and stealing.
Three companies - Kiva Corporation Limited, Gava Corporation Limited, and Ekpen and Sons - were also charged along with Igbinedion.
The former governor was said to have used his relatives to siphon the said N2.9bn.
According to the commission, the sum was looted and transferred through numerous companies, including Gava Corporation Ltd.
Another company belonging to his brother, Mike Igbinedion, was said to have also been used to transfer part of the money.
Last week, the London Metropolitan Police searched Igbinedion’s London house
The house is located at the High Gate area of London, one of the high brow areas of the city.
THISDAY learnt that the search may have been conducted by the Met Police in a bid to uncover any incriminating material that may help in prosecuting Igbinedion for anti-money laundering offences in the United Kingdom.
The search was reminiscent of similar raids by the Met Police on the London residences of the impeached governor of Bayelsa State, Chief DSP Alamiyeseigha, and former Plateau State governor, Chief Joshua Dariye.
During the raid on Igbinedion’s house, Met Police detectives saw two Mercedes Benz cars and a Bentley worth £200,000 parked in the drive way of the palatial building.
They did not remove the vehicles but the detectives left with some documents, sources said.
The house was said to have been bought for £6.2m in 2000 but is now worth £6m.
It was learnt that the search might have been in response to the international manhunt ordered for Igbinedion by EFCC.
The commission believed Igbinedion had been on the run since he left office on May 29, 2007.
But in his reaction, Igbinedion alleged a deliberate plan by EFCC to taint him as a "fugitive running away from justice" by rushing to court to seek an order for his arrest.
He said he would appear before the commission yesterday, a promise he has now fulfilled.
In a two-page letter to the EFCC Chairman by his lawyers, Ahonaruogho, Ahonaruogho and Co, the ex-governor said the commission was aimed at ruining the good name built over the years by his family.
Condemning EFCC’s move, Igbinedion’s counsel said: “Our client is completely saddened that the commission has, without giving an opportunity to our client to appear to defend the charges against him, rushed to court for an order for his arrest in its attempt to put our client in the court of public opinion as a fugitive running away from justice.
”The antics of the commission in obtaining the said order of court and the subsequent declaration of our client as a wanted person, clearly runs against the grains of the administration of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and the rule of law which it preaches.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to state categorically that our client, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, shortly after leaving office as the governor of Edo State of Nigeria on 29th May, 2007 travelled overseas for his vacation and to attend to his personal needs. Whilst overseas, a letter of invitation was extended to him by the commission through the Edo State Government.
”When the said letter of invitation by the commission was brought to his attention, he promptly replied and requested for a fresh date to attend to the invitation.
"He later returned to Nigeria where he visited the offices of the commission on 13th and 14th June, 2007 and made written statements relating to his activities as governor of Edo State to the commission and was subsequently allowed to depart.”
True to his promise to make himself available to the commission yesterday, Igbinedion surrendered himself to EFCC around 12.30 pm and was subsequently detained.
EFCC had earlier declared him wanted for alleged money laundering and stealing of amounts totalling N2.9bn during his tenure.
Yesterday, Igbinedion arrived at the commission's office on 15 Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, in a black Toyota Corolla car with registration number -Lagos EC274KRD.
He signed in at the front desk of the commission before being ushered into the main office of EFCC.
The former governor was escorted to the commission’s office by his lawyers, led by Adetunji Oyeyipo (SAN), and his younger brother, Dr. Fred Igbinedion.
One of the lawyers, who spoke briefly with THISDAY, said the former governor had already made a statement to the commission.
Igbinedion was in the custody of EFCC up till press time last night and there are indications that he may be charged to court soon.
EFCC had declared Igbinedion wanted after it obtained an order for his arrest from a Federal High Court, Abuja
It could not be ascertained last night if the former governor would be arraigned in Lagos or in Kaduna where EFCC had filed a 147-count charge of money laundering and abuse of office against the ex-governor.
The charge was filed at the Federal High Court, Kaduna before Justice Muhammed Lawal Shuaibu who is at present presiding the trial of former Delta State governor, Chief James Ibori, also for alleged money laundering and stealing.
Three companies - Kiva Corporation Limited, Gava Corporation Limited, and Ekpen and Sons - were also charged along with Igbinedion.
The former governor was said to have used his relatives to siphon the said N2.9bn.
According to the commission, the sum was looted and transferred through numerous companies, including Gava Corporation Ltd.
Another company belonging to his brother, Mike Igbinedion, was said to have also been used to transfer part of the money.
Last week, the London Metropolitan Police searched Igbinedion’s London house
The house is located at the High Gate area of London, one of the high brow areas of the city.
THISDAY learnt that the search may have been conducted by the Met Police in a bid to uncover any incriminating material that may help in prosecuting Igbinedion for anti-money laundering offences in the United Kingdom.
The search was reminiscent of similar raids by the Met Police on the London residences of the impeached governor of Bayelsa State, Chief DSP Alamiyeseigha, and former Plateau State governor, Chief Joshua Dariye.
During the raid on Igbinedion’s house, Met Police detectives saw two Mercedes Benz cars and a Bentley worth £200,000 parked in the drive way of the palatial building.
They did not remove the vehicles but the detectives left with some documents, sources said.
The house was said to have been bought for £6.2m in 2000 but is now worth £6m.
It was learnt that the search might have been in response to the international manhunt ordered for Igbinedion by EFCC.
The commission believed Igbinedion had been on the run since he left office on May 29, 2007.
But in his reaction, Igbinedion alleged a deliberate plan by EFCC to taint him as a "fugitive running away from justice" by rushing to court to seek an order for his arrest.
He said he would appear before the commission yesterday, a promise he has now fulfilled.
In a two-page letter to the EFCC Chairman by his lawyers, Ahonaruogho, Ahonaruogho and Co, the ex-governor said the commission was aimed at ruining the good name built over the years by his family.
Condemning EFCC’s move, Igbinedion’s counsel said: “Our client is completely saddened that the commission has, without giving an opportunity to our client to appear to defend the charges against him, rushed to court for an order for his arrest in its attempt to put our client in the court of public opinion as a fugitive running away from justice.
”The antics of the commission in obtaining the said order of court and the subsequent declaration of our client as a wanted person, clearly runs against the grains of the administration of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and the rule of law which it preaches.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to state categorically that our client, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, shortly after leaving office as the governor of Edo State of Nigeria on 29th May, 2007 travelled overseas for his vacation and to attend to his personal needs. Whilst overseas, a letter of invitation was extended to him by the commission through the Edo State Government.
”When the said letter of invitation by the commission was brought to his attention, he promptly replied and requested for a fresh date to attend to the invitation.
"He later returned to Nigeria where he visited the offices of the commission on 13th and 14th June, 2007 and made written statements relating to his activities as governor of Edo State to the commission and was subsequently allowed to depart.”
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Igbinedion is on His Own, Says Osunbor
Edo State Governor, Oserhiemen Osunbor has said his government has no hand in the travails of the former governor of the state, Chief Lucky Igbinedion.
He said the former governor "is on his own" in his present predicament with the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
Osunbor, who attended the stakeholders meeting on the Electoral Process in Nigeria presided by President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua told State House correspondents at a break-time chat that the former governor’s tenure put the state in a debt of N20 billion. He indicated that if approached by the EFCC to assist in the investigations he would do so.
“I did not play any role in Igbinedion’s calamity. I didn’t put him in his present predicament and I have not played any role”, while noting that if approached by the commission to assist in investigation he would elect to assist the commission.
“That is hypothetical. If I am not approached I wouldn’t”.On whether he was disturbed by the sitting of the state elections tribunal, he said he was not bothered.
“No not at all. I just told you that PDP is the party on ground in Edo State and if out of 24 seats in House of Assembly PDP won 16 and AC won 8 and that elections took place simultaneously with the governorship elections then you can assess for yourself even without being a lawyer about the outcome of the April 14, 2007 elections. So no shaking,” he said.
The Governor said though the people had high level of expectations from 1999 to 2007 and the administration in place at that time made a modest effort that fell short of the expectations of the people.
He said he brought to the office of Governor a track record of achievement, performance and excellence in his previous endeavours.
“This is what I sold to the electorates, they believed in me and in spite of the reservations that some people had we were victorious in that elections".
“Knowing the high level of renewed hope and expectations by the people I wasted no time in getting down to the business of governance knowing fully well the essence of governance is that the people expect to see development, see good leadership because with good leadership people can follow and you can get a lot more done."
"I am happy that these past seven months or so that there is no questions in the minds of the people of Edo that we mean business and we are ready to bring about the fast rate of development of infrastructure which had unfortunately fallen into a state of decay and disrepair these past few years".
"We are beginning to put them right and there is renewed confidence in the democratic process and institutions and I promised the people of Edo State that every opportunity such as this that we will strive to do more so that the confidence they reposed in me in electing me as their governor is not misplaced".On the allegations that PDP in Edo state was involved in the rigging and killing during the Local Government elections. Osunbor stressed that as the dominant party in Edo State and having a comfortable two-thirds majority in the State House of Assembly as well as occupying the highest office, the PDP could not have rigged the elections.“PDP is the party on the ground in the state but unfortunately, the opposition party in the state which is AC strive on propaganda and I am sure you know why because they are people in the AC that have lived using propaganda all their working life. They have a great advantage over PDP in the area of propaganda but the reality is that PDP is the party on ground."
" Since I came on board the party has been waxing stronger and stronger and like I said those who had reservations particularly in the metropolis Benin City have nearly 100 per cent changed their minds, nearly all of them have returned to the PDP fold".“So we went into the LGA elections with high level of optimism, high level of moral, high level of preparations and this is very important. While the PDP was campaigning as we always do to win the hearts of voters and to win their votes, the opposition essentially the AC went to court and tried to prevent us from holding elections".
"They instituted not less than five cases against us in court and these were reported. They even went to court appeal and the case was dismissed because it lacked merit. Some of the allegations that they had were that the State Independent Electoral Commission was not properly constituted. But I am sure you have read how on three different occasions the court had dismissed attempts by people to have SIEC as constituted nullified because the courts believed that we acted in accordance with the provision of establishing SIEC".
" So the AC tried by all means to ensure we did not have the elections but when by December 14th the court of appeal dismissed their applications to have the elections stopped they were left with no option than to turn to violence as they had planned as their fall back position"."I am not aware that any death was recorded during the LG elections. Yes buildings were burnt but I am not aware anybody died”.On the present financial state of the state, the governor said the state government was determined to step up its internally generated revenue to N8-billion every month to be able to finance most the projects initiated by his administration within a period of four years.He also said the state government was projecting N60-billion internally generated revenue for the 2008 fiscal year.
He said the former governor "is on his own" in his present predicament with the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
Osunbor, who attended the stakeholders meeting on the Electoral Process in Nigeria presided by President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua told State House correspondents at a break-time chat that the former governor’s tenure put the state in a debt of N20 billion. He indicated that if approached by the EFCC to assist in the investigations he would do so.
“I did not play any role in Igbinedion’s calamity. I didn’t put him in his present predicament and I have not played any role”, while noting that if approached by the commission to assist in investigation he would elect to assist the commission.
“That is hypothetical. If I am not approached I wouldn’t”.On whether he was disturbed by the sitting of the state elections tribunal, he said he was not bothered.
“No not at all. I just told you that PDP is the party on ground in Edo State and if out of 24 seats in House of Assembly PDP won 16 and AC won 8 and that elections took place simultaneously with the governorship elections then you can assess for yourself even without being a lawyer about the outcome of the April 14, 2007 elections. So no shaking,” he said.
The Governor said though the people had high level of expectations from 1999 to 2007 and the administration in place at that time made a modest effort that fell short of the expectations of the people.
He said he brought to the office of Governor a track record of achievement, performance and excellence in his previous endeavours.
“This is what I sold to the electorates, they believed in me and in spite of the reservations that some people had we were victorious in that elections".
“Knowing the high level of renewed hope and expectations by the people I wasted no time in getting down to the business of governance knowing fully well the essence of governance is that the people expect to see development, see good leadership because with good leadership people can follow and you can get a lot more done."
"I am happy that these past seven months or so that there is no questions in the minds of the people of Edo that we mean business and we are ready to bring about the fast rate of development of infrastructure which had unfortunately fallen into a state of decay and disrepair these past few years".
"We are beginning to put them right and there is renewed confidence in the democratic process and institutions and I promised the people of Edo State that every opportunity such as this that we will strive to do more so that the confidence they reposed in me in electing me as their governor is not misplaced".On the allegations that PDP in Edo state was involved in the rigging and killing during the Local Government elections. Osunbor stressed that as the dominant party in Edo State and having a comfortable two-thirds majority in the State House of Assembly as well as occupying the highest office, the PDP could not have rigged the elections.“PDP is the party on the ground in the state but unfortunately, the opposition party in the state which is AC strive on propaganda and I am sure you know why because they are people in the AC that have lived using propaganda all their working life. They have a great advantage over PDP in the area of propaganda but the reality is that PDP is the party on ground."
" Since I came on board the party has been waxing stronger and stronger and like I said those who had reservations particularly in the metropolis Benin City have nearly 100 per cent changed their minds, nearly all of them have returned to the PDP fold".“So we went into the LGA elections with high level of optimism, high level of moral, high level of preparations and this is very important. While the PDP was campaigning as we always do to win the hearts of voters and to win their votes, the opposition essentially the AC went to court and tried to prevent us from holding elections".
"They instituted not less than five cases against us in court and these were reported. They even went to court appeal and the case was dismissed because it lacked merit. Some of the allegations that they had were that the State Independent Electoral Commission was not properly constituted. But I am sure you have read how on three different occasions the court had dismissed attempts by people to have SIEC as constituted nullified because the courts believed that we acted in accordance with the provision of establishing SIEC".
" So the AC tried by all means to ensure we did not have the elections but when by December 14th the court of appeal dismissed their applications to have the elections stopped they were left with no option than to turn to violence as they had planned as their fall back position"."I am not aware that any death was recorded during the LG elections. Yes buildings were burnt but I am not aware anybody died”.On the present financial state of the state, the governor said the state government was determined to step up its internally generated revenue to N8-billion every month to be able to finance most the projects initiated by his administration within a period of four years.He also said the state government was projecting N60-billion internally generated revenue for the 2008 fiscal year.
London Police Raid Igbinedion’s House
The London Metropolitan Police yesterday searched the London house of former Edo State governor, Chief Lucky Igbinedion.
Igbinedion's house is located at the High Gate area of London, one of the high brow areas of the city.
THISDAY learnt that the search may have been conducted by the Met Police in a bid to uncover any incriminating material that may help in prosecuting Igbinedion for anti-money laundering offences in the United Kingdom.
The search is reminiscent of similar raids by the Met Police on the London residences of the impeached governor of Bayelsa State, Chief DSP Alamie-yeseigha and former Plateau State governor, Chief Joshua Dariye.
During the raid on Igbinedion’s house, Met Police detectives saw two Mercedes Benz cars and a Bentley worth £200,000 parked in the drive way of the palatial building.
They did not remove the vehicles but the detectives left with some documents, sources said.
The house was said to have been bought for £6.2m in 2000 but is now worth £6m.
Authorities of the Met Police neither confirmed nor denied the search last night when THISDAY contacted them over the telephone.
It was learnt, however, that the search may have been in response to the international manhunt for Igbinedion by the Economic and Financial Cri-mes Commission (EFCC).
Igbinedion has been on the run since he left office on May 29, 2007.
Last week, EFCC formally declared him wanted for alleged money laundering and stealing of amounts totaling N2.9bn during his tenure.
The commission took the decision shortly after it obtained an order for his arrest from a Federal High Court, Abuja.
EFCC slammed a 147-count charge of money laundering and abuse of office against the ex-governor.
Three companies - Kiva Corporation Limited, Gava Corporation Limited, and Ekpen and Sons - were also charged along with him.
Igbinedion, who ruled the state between 1999 and 2007, was said to have used his relatives to siphon the said N2.9bn.
The sum, according to the commission, was looted and transferred through numerous companies, including Gava Corporation Ltd.
Another company belonging to his brother, Mike Igbinedion, was said to have also been used to transfer part of the money.
But in his reaction last Monday, Igbinedion alleged a deliberate plan by EFCC to taint him as a "fugitive running away from justice" by rushing to court to seek an order for his arrest.
He said he would appear before the commission next Monday.
In a two-page letter to the EFCC Chairman by his lawyers, Ahonaruogho, Ahonaruogho and Co, the ex-governor said the commission was aimed at ruining the good name built over the years by his family.
Condemning EFCC’s move, Igbinedion’s counsel said: “Our client is completely saddened that the commission has, without giving an opportunity to our client to appear to defend the charges against him, rushed to court for an order for his arrest in its attempt to put our client in the court of public opinion as a fugitive running away from justice.
“The antics of the commission in obtaining the said order of court and the subsequent declaration of our client as a wanted person, clearly runs against the gains of the administration of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and the rule of law which it preaches.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to state categorically that our client, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, shortly after leaving office as the governor of Edo State of Nigeria on 29th May, 2007 travelled overseas for his vacation and to attend to his personal needs. Whilst overseas, a letter of invitation was extended to him by the commission through the Edo State Government.
“When the said letter of invitation by the commission was brought to his attention, he promptly replied and requested for a fresh date to attend to the invitation.
“He later returned to Nigeria where he visited the offices of the commission on 13th and 14th June, 2007 and made written statements relating to his activities as governor of Edo State to the commission and was subsequently allowed to depart.
“At the said visit, no petition or any allegation of any criminal offence was brought to his attention by the commission and that our client has been denied the opportunity to confront his accusers or rebut the allegations against him before the said charges levied against him were filed in court.
“Our client during his said visit to the commission’s offices in Abuja made it known that he was in fact travelling back overseas.
“There has been no subsequent invitation to our client by the commission to which our client failed to appear and that it is therefore most surprising that our client can be portrayed by the commission to Nigerians and indeed the international community, as a fugitive fleeing from justice.
“Our client hereby requests that the commission should in the light of the above stated facts, approach the same court to vacate the order for his arrest and withdraw forthwith the purported declaration to our client, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, as a wanted person.”
Igbinedion's house is located at the High Gate area of London, one of the high brow areas of the city.
THISDAY learnt that the search may have been conducted by the Met Police in a bid to uncover any incriminating material that may help in prosecuting Igbinedion for anti-money laundering offences in the United Kingdom.
The search is reminiscent of similar raids by the Met Police on the London residences of the impeached governor of Bayelsa State, Chief DSP Alamie-yeseigha and former Plateau State governor, Chief Joshua Dariye.
During the raid on Igbinedion’s house, Met Police detectives saw two Mercedes Benz cars and a Bentley worth £200,000 parked in the drive way of the palatial building.
They did not remove the vehicles but the detectives left with some documents, sources said.
The house was said to have been bought for £6.2m in 2000 but is now worth £6m.
Authorities of the Met Police neither confirmed nor denied the search last night when THISDAY contacted them over the telephone.
It was learnt, however, that the search may have been in response to the international manhunt for Igbinedion by the Economic and Financial Cri-mes Commission (EFCC).
Igbinedion has been on the run since he left office on May 29, 2007.
Last week, EFCC formally declared him wanted for alleged money laundering and stealing of amounts totaling N2.9bn during his tenure.
The commission took the decision shortly after it obtained an order for his arrest from a Federal High Court, Abuja.
EFCC slammed a 147-count charge of money laundering and abuse of office against the ex-governor.
Three companies - Kiva Corporation Limited, Gava Corporation Limited, and Ekpen and Sons - were also charged along with him.
Igbinedion, who ruled the state between 1999 and 2007, was said to have used his relatives to siphon the said N2.9bn.
The sum, according to the commission, was looted and transferred through numerous companies, including Gava Corporation Ltd.
Another company belonging to his brother, Mike Igbinedion, was said to have also been used to transfer part of the money.
But in his reaction last Monday, Igbinedion alleged a deliberate plan by EFCC to taint him as a "fugitive running away from justice" by rushing to court to seek an order for his arrest.
He said he would appear before the commission next Monday.
In a two-page letter to the EFCC Chairman by his lawyers, Ahonaruogho, Ahonaruogho and Co, the ex-governor said the commission was aimed at ruining the good name built over the years by his family.
Condemning EFCC’s move, Igbinedion’s counsel said: “Our client is completely saddened that the commission has, without giving an opportunity to our client to appear to defend the charges against him, rushed to court for an order for his arrest in its attempt to put our client in the court of public opinion as a fugitive running away from justice.
“The antics of the commission in obtaining the said order of court and the subsequent declaration of our client as a wanted person, clearly runs against the gains of the administration of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and the rule of law which it preaches.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to state categorically that our client, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, shortly after leaving office as the governor of Edo State of Nigeria on 29th May, 2007 travelled overseas for his vacation and to attend to his personal needs. Whilst overseas, a letter of invitation was extended to him by the commission through the Edo State Government.
“When the said letter of invitation by the commission was brought to his attention, he promptly replied and requested for a fresh date to attend to the invitation.
“He later returned to Nigeria where he visited the offices of the commission on 13th and 14th June, 2007 and made written statements relating to his activities as governor of Edo State to the commission and was subsequently allowed to depart.
“At the said visit, no petition or any allegation of any criminal offence was brought to his attention by the commission and that our client has been denied the opportunity to confront his accusers or rebut the allegations against him before the said charges levied against him were filed in court.
“Our client during his said visit to the commission’s offices in Abuja made it known that he was in fact travelling back overseas.
“There has been no subsequent invitation to our client by the commission to which our client failed to appear and that it is therefore most surprising that our client can be portrayed by the commission to Nigerians and indeed the international community, as a fugitive fleeing from justice.
“Our client hereby requests that the commission should in the light of the above stated facts, approach the same court to vacate the order for his arrest and withdraw forthwith the purported declaration to our client, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, as a wanted person.”
How Ibori Was Convicted in UK – EFCC
It was a shocking revelation yesterday, when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) came out with documents on how the former governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, was allegedly convicted by a London Court.
Counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Jacob, had argued that Ibori should not be granted bail, because he was already an ex-convict.
To support its claims, the Commission came out with details of his conviction yesterday.
A statement by a witness released by the Commission, shows that wife of the former governor, Mrs Theresa Nkoyo Ibori, was arrested on November 1, 2007, at Heathrow Airport, over allegation of money laundering.
Documents showiing his full description and a copy of the discharge were also made available by the EFCC.
The statement by the witness, which was signed by D.C McDonald reads, “on the 1st of November, 2007, at 2050 hours, I arrested Mrs Theresa Nkoyo Ibori at Heathrow Airport, on suspicion of being concerned in money laundering.”
“Mrs Ibori was later conveyed to the Police Station in Heathrow Airport. During the procedure of booking in Mrs Ibori at the Police Station, it is a routine to obtain copy of her fingerprint.
These fingerprints are obrtained on the computer based National Automated Fingerprint already held on the Police National Fingerprint database, then a report is in due course produced.
“As a result of Mrs Ibori’s fingerprint being taken, a report was produced, stating that the fingerprint obtained that evening were an exact match to that of a fingerprint held for an individual, Theresa Nakanda, under the police reference number 134269/90fF. they were obtained on the 28 of August 1990 at Uxbridge Station. Nakanda is Mrs Ibori’s maiden name.
“As a result of those fingerprints being matched, I was able to conduct a number of enquiries into that arrest and have established circumstances of that arrest from historical police record.
“I was able to establish that she was arrested with Mr James Ibori for theft. Mr Ibori’s fingerprint were also obtained upon Uxbridge Police Station. The circumstances of the arrest of Mr James Ibori and Miss Theresa Nakanda relates to the theft from a Wickes Store, Ruislip, London, whereby Mr Ibori was employed as a cashier, he allwoed his girlfriend, namely, Miss Theresa Nakanda to pass through his check out without making any attempt to pay for some goods. Both were charged with one count of theft under Section 1 of the Theft Act of 1968.
“I can confirm that on the 25th of January 1991, Mr James Ibori, at Isleworth Crown Court, was convicted of one count of theft. He was fined 300pounds sterling and ordered to pay 450 pounds sterling cost.
“I have made further enquiries into the criminal convictions for Mr James Ibori and can confirm that on the 7th of February 1992, at Clerkenwell Magistrates Court, London, Mr Ibori was convicted of one count charge of handling stolen goods, contrary to Section 22 of the Theft Act, 1968.
"The Circumstances of that charge relate to Mr Ibori’s possession of a stolen American Express Card belonging to another, knowing or believing that card to be stolen. The original arrest of that offence took place on the 12th of September 1991, at Euston Rail Station.
“During the procedure following his arrest, Mr Ibori provided the address, 3 Atherstone Road, Harrow, Middlesex. I can confirm that as a result of documentation in my possession, that Mr James Ibori and Miss Theresa Nakanda once owned this property.
“For the offence outlined above, Mr Ibori was fined 100 pounds sterling and ordered to pay 50 pounds sterling cost.”
Counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Jacob, had argued that Ibori should not be granted bail, because he was already an ex-convict.
To support its claims, the Commission came out with details of his conviction yesterday.
A statement by a witness released by the Commission, shows that wife of the former governor, Mrs Theresa Nkoyo Ibori, was arrested on November 1, 2007, at Heathrow Airport, over allegation of money laundering.
Documents showiing his full description and a copy of the discharge were also made available by the EFCC.
The statement by the witness, which was signed by D.C McDonald reads, “on the 1st of November, 2007, at 2050 hours, I arrested Mrs Theresa Nkoyo Ibori at Heathrow Airport, on suspicion of being concerned in money laundering.”
“Mrs Ibori was later conveyed to the Police Station in Heathrow Airport. During the procedure of booking in Mrs Ibori at the Police Station, it is a routine to obtain copy of her fingerprint.
These fingerprints are obrtained on the computer based National Automated Fingerprint already held on the Police National Fingerprint database, then a report is in due course produced.
“As a result of Mrs Ibori’s fingerprint being taken, a report was produced, stating that the fingerprint obtained that evening were an exact match to that of a fingerprint held for an individual, Theresa Nakanda, under the police reference number 134269/90fF. they were obtained on the 28 of August 1990 at Uxbridge Station. Nakanda is Mrs Ibori’s maiden name.
“As a result of those fingerprints being matched, I was able to conduct a number of enquiries into that arrest and have established circumstances of that arrest from historical police record.
“I was able to establish that she was arrested with Mr James Ibori for theft. Mr Ibori’s fingerprint were also obtained upon Uxbridge Police Station. The circumstances of the arrest of Mr James Ibori and Miss Theresa Nakanda relates to the theft from a Wickes Store, Ruislip, London, whereby Mr Ibori was employed as a cashier, he allwoed his girlfriend, namely, Miss Theresa Nakanda to pass through his check out without making any attempt to pay for some goods. Both were charged with one count of theft under Section 1 of the Theft Act of 1968.
“I can confirm that on the 25th of January 1991, Mr James Ibori, at Isleworth Crown Court, was convicted of one count of theft. He was fined 300pounds sterling and ordered to pay 450 pounds sterling cost.
“I have made further enquiries into the criminal convictions for Mr James Ibori and can confirm that on the 7th of February 1992, at Clerkenwell Magistrates Court, London, Mr Ibori was convicted of one count charge of handling stolen goods, contrary to Section 22 of the Theft Act, 1968.
"The Circumstances of that charge relate to Mr Ibori’s possession of a stolen American Express Card belonging to another, knowing or believing that card to be stolen. The original arrest of that offence took place on the 12th of September 1991, at Euston Rail Station.
“During the procedure following his arrest, Mr Ibori provided the address, 3 Atherstone Road, Harrow, Middlesex. I can confirm that as a result of documentation in my possession, that Mr James Ibori and Miss Theresa Nakanda once owned this property.
“For the offence outlined above, Mr Ibori was fined 100 pounds sterling and ordered to pay 50 pounds sterling cost.”
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
EFCC’s Bombshell: Ibori Was Convicted In London
The EFCC has opposed the bail applicaton by former Delta State governor, James Onanefe Ibori, on the grounds that he may jump bail. Counsel to EFCC, Rotimi Jacobs, in his argument, pointed out that the available evidence before the anti-graft agency proved that Ibori was an ex-convict and also that the crimes committed are economic crimes that are not bailable.
He also argued that Ibori is in a positon to intefere with the course of justice, using the powers that he and his band of militants had acquired.
Jacobs further said the EFCC would pursue the case to the letter and ensure that justice is done. He also said the agency is ready to furnish the court with all relevant evidence to prove that Ibori is guilty of all offences brought before the court.
Though Jacobs admitted the right and discretion of the court to grant Ibori bail, he urged it to consider the personality of Ibori, who is very influential.
However, counsel to Ibori, Joseph Daudu, disagreed with the EFCC’s counsel’s views against the bail application.
Daudu explained that the ex-convict being referred to is one James Obori and not James Onanefe Ibori, his client.
He supported his arguement with Section 225(3) of the Evidence Act in respect of No Certificate of Conviction and fingerprint presented from UK identifying Ibori as the ex-convict.
Daudu assured Ibori won’t jump bail and urged the court to grant their prayer, on the grounds that he needs to prepare for the defence of the charges brought against his client. He added that the ex-governor’s health is fast deteriorating.
Last week the presiding judge of a Federal High Court in Kaduna, Justice Muhammed Lawal Shaubu, rejected the bail application of Ibori’s counsel, Mr. Joseph Daudu, SAN.
Justice Shuabu, submitted that the entire process of justice must be followed to ensure that the case is given speedy hearing.
The judge added that the issue of a new affidavit from the accused person needs to be properly looked into by the EFCC counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs.
Earlier in his argument, Jacobs had said the accused was an ex-convict and that he had mobilised some militants against some EFCC operatives while in court at the last sitting on 17 December.
Ibori, who is facing a 139-count charge of corruption and money laundering brought against him by the EFCC, has been in prison since 17 December last year.
He also argued that Ibori is in a positon to intefere with the course of justice, using the powers that he and his band of militants had acquired.
Jacobs further said the EFCC would pursue the case to the letter and ensure that justice is done. He also said the agency is ready to furnish the court with all relevant evidence to prove that Ibori is guilty of all offences brought before the court.
Though Jacobs admitted the right and discretion of the court to grant Ibori bail, he urged it to consider the personality of Ibori, who is very influential.
However, counsel to Ibori, Joseph Daudu, disagreed with the EFCC’s counsel’s views against the bail application.
Daudu explained that the ex-convict being referred to is one James Obori and not James Onanefe Ibori, his client.
He supported his arguement with Section 225(3) of the Evidence Act in respect of No Certificate of Conviction and fingerprint presented from UK identifying Ibori as the ex-convict.
Daudu assured Ibori won’t jump bail and urged the court to grant their prayer, on the grounds that he needs to prepare for the defence of the charges brought against his client. He added that the ex-governor’s health is fast deteriorating.
Last week the presiding judge of a Federal High Court in Kaduna, Justice Muhammed Lawal Shaubu, rejected the bail application of Ibori’s counsel, Mr. Joseph Daudu, SAN.
Justice Shuabu, submitted that the entire process of justice must be followed to ensure that the case is given speedy hearing.
The judge added that the issue of a new affidavit from the accused person needs to be properly looked into by the EFCC counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs.
Earlier in his argument, Jacobs had said the accused was an ex-convict and that he had mobilised some militants against some EFCC operatives while in court at the last sitting on 17 December.
Ibori, who is facing a 139-count charge of corruption and money laundering brought against him by the EFCC, has been in prison since 17 December last year.
Friday, January 11, 2008
EFCC declares Lucky Igbinedion, ex-governor of Edo State wanted
In its quest to sanitize the Augean stable and rescue the country from the shackles of corruption, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken the battle to the doorstep of a former governor, Chief Lucky Igbinedion of Edo State, the commission has therefore declare the ex-governor wanted on the allegation of stolen funds. The ex-governor has been accused of stealing, corruption and abuse of office to the tune of N2.9 billion while in office as the governor of the state. His warrant of arrest was signed earlier today by Justice Murtala Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ’s federal capital territory.
I’m Ready to Return to Nigeria, Igbinedion Tells EFCC
Jolted by the warrant issued for his arrest, former Edo State Governor, Chief Lucky Igbinedion has sent a letter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)expressing his intention to return to the country to answer to the 142 count charges instituted against him by the commission.
The former governor however gave the commssion some conditions to be met. He requested to be assured that he will be safe to do so and that he will be free from intimidation and harassment when he returns. He also requested that the commission return to court to vacate the warrant of arrest against the former governor and withdraw the order declaring him wanted.
A letter written to the commission on behalf of the former governor by his lawyer, Chief Richard Oma Ahonaruogho of Paradise Law Firm said Igbinedion was declared wanted without following due process as he was never served any notice of invitation that he did not honour, neither was he given an opportunity to appear to defend the charges against him before he was declared wanted.
According to him, the former governor who traveled abroad on vacation and for personal needs immediately after his tenure was earlier invited by the agency to attend to some issues, to which he obliged and answered the questions from the commission before being let off.
The release reads:
“At the said visit no petition or any allegation of any criminal offence was brought to his attention by the commission and our client has been denied the opportunity to confront his accusers or rebut the allegations against
“Our client during his said visit to the commission’s office in Abuja made it known that he was in fact traveling back overseas. There has been no subsequent invitation to our client by the commission to which our client failed to appear.
“It is therefore most surprising that our client can be portrayed by the commission to Nigerians and indeed the international community as a fugitive fleeing from justice."
The former governor however gave the commssion some conditions to be met. He requested to be assured that he will be safe to do so and that he will be free from intimidation and harassment when he returns. He also requested that the commission return to court to vacate the warrant of arrest against the former governor and withdraw the order declaring him wanted.
A letter written to the commission on behalf of the former governor by his lawyer, Chief Richard Oma Ahonaruogho of Paradise Law Firm said Igbinedion was declared wanted without following due process as he was never served any notice of invitation that he did not honour, neither was he given an opportunity to appear to defend the charges against him before he was declared wanted.
According to him, the former governor who traveled abroad on vacation and for personal needs immediately after his tenure was earlier invited by the agency to attend to some issues, to which he obliged and answered the questions from the commission before being let off.
The release reads:
“At the said visit no petition or any allegation of any criminal offence was brought to his attention by the commission and our client has been denied the opportunity to confront his accusers or rebut the allegations against
“Our client during his said visit to the commission’s office in Abuja made it known that he was in fact traveling back overseas. There has been no subsequent invitation to our client by the commission to which our client failed to appear.
“It is therefore most surprising that our client can be portrayed by the commission to Nigerians and indeed the international community as a fugitive fleeing from justice."
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