James Onanefe Ibori, born on August 4, 1959, in Oghara Wado City, Delta State, Nigeria, is a Nigerian politician who served as the Governor of Delta State from May 29, 1999, to May 29, 2007.
James Ibori Early Life and Education
James Ibori was born to the family of late Chief Ukavbe Ibori and Mrs. Comfort Oji Ibori of Otefe in Oghara clan, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State. He attended Baptist High School, Oghareki, now Oghareki Grammar School, before proceeding to the University of Benin, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Statistics.
James Ibori Career in the United Kingdom
In the 1980s, James Ibori moved to London, England, where he married his wife, Theresa. He worked as a cashier at Wickes DIY store in Ruislip, Middlesex. During this period, Ibori and his wife were convicted in 1991 for theft at their workplace, resulting in a £300 fine. In 1992, he was convicted for credit card fraud, receiving a £100 fine.
James Ibori Return to Nigeria and Political Career
Returning to Nigeria in 1993, Ibori served as a consultant to the Federal Government under General Sani Abacha between 1994 and 1997, focusing on public policy formulation and implementation. His political career began in 1990 when he joined the National Republican Convention (NRC). In 1991, he was nominated to contest for the Federal House of Representatives seat to represent Ethiope Federal Constituency. Although he lost that election, he remained active in politics. During General Abacha’s transition program, he joined the Grassroots Democratic Movement (GDM), which secured several political positions, including a senatorial seat in Delta State. After Abacha’s death, Ibori and other political leaders formed the Delta National Congress (DNC), which later merged into the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). On this platform, Ibori contested and won the January 9, 1999, gubernatorial election in Delta State. He was re-elected in 2003 for a second term.
James Ibori Legal Challenges and Conviction
After his tenure as governor, James Ibori faced allegations of corruption and money laundering. In April 2010, Nigerian authorities accused him of embezzling N40 billion (approximately $266 million). He evaded arrest by fleeing Nigeria but was apprehended in Dubai and subsequently extradited to the United Kingdom. On February 27, 2012, Ibori pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court in London to ten counts of money laundering and conspiracy to defraud, admitting to embezzling around £50 million. He was sentenced to 13 years in prison on April 17, 2012.
James Ibori Release and Subsequent Activities
Ibori was released from prison in December 2016 after serving four years of his sentence. Upon his release, he returned to Nigeria and has since remained a significant figure in Delta State politics. Despite his past legal challenges, Ibori continues to wield considerable influence in the region.
James Ibori Personal Life
James Ibori is married to Theresa Ibori, and they have children together. His personal and political life has been marked by both significant achievements and controversies, reflecting the complex nature of Nigerian politics.
