October 17, 2010 04:48PM

http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/Home/5631663-146/dubai_court_extradites_ibori_to_london.csp

The Dubai court of First Instance has ruled that the former governor of Delta State, James Ibori, be transferred to authorities in the United Kingdom, saying he has "a case to answer in the UK."

The court ruled that Mr Ibori should be extradited to the United Kingdom to face charges of money laundering, credit card fraud and official theft. Mr Ibori, who was arrested in the Emirate by the International Police (INTERPOL) in May, now has 30 days to file for and receive an appellate decision.

He was declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly mismanaging N528 million shares of Delta State in Oceanic Bank a month before his arrest in the UAE after evading arrest in Nigeria. A warrant of arrest was also issued on him by the UK Metropolitan Police for money laundering.

Mr Ibori's sister, Christine Ibie-Ibori, and his mistress, Udoamaka Okoronkwo (nee Onuigbo) have already being successfully prosecuted in the UK, for helping the former governor move an estimated £70 million worth of looted funds through several London banks. Both women are serving jail terms in a UK prison.

Mr Ibori's wife, Theresa Nkoyo, and one of his UK-based lawyers, Bhadresh Gohil, are also currently facing trial in a London courtroom.