Ibori's Sentencing Set For Tuesday As Court Bars Nigerian Journalists, Supporters

SAN FRANCISCO, April 16, (THEWILL) – The process that would lead to the pronouncement of the jail term to be served by the former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori commenced Monday at the Southwark Crown Court with scores of supporters of former Delta State governor, James Ibori and some Nigerian journalists barred from entering the courtroom.

Ibori a few weeks ago pleaded guilty to 10 select counts bordering on money and fraud.

THEWILL gathered that the court had earlier slated April 16 and 17 for Ibori’s judgement day, where both Defence and Prosecution would address the court one last time before Judge Anthony Pitts makes public his punishment for the Nigerian politician.

The Defence and Prosecution addressed the court today before trial judge Pitts adjourned until Tuesday.

But at Monday’s session, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent who was at the court reports that trouble started when many of Ibori's supporters, who besieged the court premises to witness the proceedings tried to force themselves into the courtroom.

Many of them also claimed to be journalists representing various Nigerian media.

However, following the unruly situation, officers from the Metropolitan police, who were deployed to control the crowd, allowed only journalists representing the British media and some members of Ibori’s family into the courtroom.

According to NAN, some of Ibori’s supporters said they wanted him to serve his term in Nigeria.

“Yes! We want him to be transferred to Nigeria because he did not commit the crime in the United Kingdom,’’ they said.

Judge Pitts is expected to sentence him to a 15-year jail term but the former governor will be awarded some credits that may see him regain his freedom in 2014.