$15 Ibori Bribe Money: Delta State Should Forfeit The Money Says EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a counter affidavit telling the court why the alleged $15 million bribe money of former governor of Delta state, Mr James Ibori should not be returned to the state.

In a counter affidavit filed in court and served on all parties in the suit, the EFCC claims that in 2008 the government of Delta used monies returned to it to pay for a N50 million building grant.

The same amount according to the court papers was released to the former governor in 2010.

The anti-graft agency claimed that such monies were wired to the former governor in London where he was standing trial for money laundering charges.

Responding, counsel to Delta state government and Attorney General of Delta state, Charles Ajuyah asked the court for time to study the application filed by the commission and also file a reply.

In his ruling, presiding judge, Justice Kolawole Gabriel, granted the defendants 14 days within which to file its reply, while the EFCC is to respond within seven days of receiving the reply.

The case has been adjourned to January 10 for definite hearing.