Ibori, Other Nigerian Prisoners In Britain To Complete Terms In Nigeria

As Nigeria Signs Prisoners Exchange Deal With Britain BEVERLY HILLS, CA, January 09, (THEWILL) - Chief James Ibori, a former Governor of oil-rich Delta State as well as over 600 Nigerians serving various jail sentences in the United Kingdom will be transferred to Nigeria to complete their terms.

An agreement to effect their repatriation was signed on Thursday between senior officials of both governments.

British Minister of Justice, Mr.
Jeremy Wright signed on behalf of the UK at a ceremony coordinated at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammad Adoke (SAN) signed for Nigeria.

The UK government which initiated the deal as part of efforts to save UK taxpayers millions spent on feeding and welfare of the prisoners will also provide one million pounds to assist in upgrading Nigerian prisons.

Wright during a chat with reporters when he visited Nigeria's Minister of Interior, Mr.

Abba Moro in his office said he met with Moro to finalise the process of exchange.

The National Assembly had earlier given approval for the prisoners exchange programme between the two countries.

THEWILL can report that the British government had put a lot of pressure on the Nigerian government to approve the initiative.

Wright told reporters as follows: 'We believe that the agreement today is a positive step in furthering our mutual relationship and partnership with Nigeria for prisoner exchange.

Under the agreement Nigerians in UK prisons will be repatriated to Nigeria to complete their terms 'It is an opportunity to ensure that the prisoners which come from either country will serve their sentences in their own countries that is better for their rehabilitation.

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