On Monday, July 24, a London court directed Bhadresh Gohil, former lawyer to James Ibori, the ex-Governor of Delta State, to pay approximately 28 million pounds (around $36 million) for his role in concealing illegally obtained funds.

Gohil, aged 59, was previously convicted in the UK in 2010 on charges of money laundering, prejudicing a money laundering investigation, and conspiracy to defraud, resulting in a sentence of more than 10 years imprisonment.

Meanwhile, Ibori, 61, admitted to conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to defraud, and conspiracy to make false instruments in 2012.

He utilized a sophisticated scheme involving his wife, sister, and lover to launder the proceeds of his crime.

The court established that Ibori abused his governorship position to embezzle millions, leading a lavish lifestyle and acquiring properties in London, Washington DC, and Texas.

Ibori was sentenced to 13 years in prison, and upon serving his term, he returned to Nigeria.

The Crown Prosecution Service revealed that Gohil had benefited from his illegal activities to the sum of £42,424,037.01, of which he was found to have £28,191,797.15 available for a confiscation order or an additional six years in prison.

Ibori was ordered to pay £101,514,315.21 or face an extra eight years in prison.

Adrian Foster, the chief crown prosecutor of the CPS Proceeds of Crime Division, emphasized the significance of this international case in combating illicit finance and corruption.

The confiscation orders amount to over £128 million, with the aim of returning the funds to the people of Nigeria, thanks to the diligent work of the dedicated CPS team and the National Crime Agency.