Ibori's trial starts in London Court

James Ibori

The trial of the former governor of Delta State, Mr. James Ibori has commenced on Thursday at the Southwark Crown Court, in London.
Reporters were informed that Ibori would not be attending the trial but would only participate via video link.
The trial which was billed to start by 10 am commenced at 10:15 with the trial the Judge, Judge Rivlin ruling that a video link be established to Wandsworth Prisons where Ibori is currently detained.
Mr Ibori dressed in beige jacket and light was asked by the Court clerk via the video link if he was James Ibori, to which he responded with "yes, I am James Ibori". The clerk then read out his charges.
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His lawyer, Mr. Akinsanya, told the judge upon enquiry that the huge cost of bringing former governor to court prompted the video conferencing option used.
Crown prosecutor thereafter sought the leave to be granted an eight-week period in which to serve relevant papers on Ibori since he is said to be involved in another pending trial.
In the end, his aides sought to have the case combined into one, just as the request that was granted by the unnamed trial judge who allowed for consolidation of all the pending cases and also fixed further hearing till June 24.
In his response, the judge replied that it was in the interest of justice that the defendant should be in court at the date scheduled for resumed hearing of the case.
Courtesy Of: Channels TV