The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dissociated itself? from any involvement in the plea bargain deal between ex- Delta State Governor James Ibori and the Metropolitan Police of London. Ibori is facing money laundering charge in London and the propriety of allegedly suspending N1.6bn spent to procure a brand new aircraft.
Ibori reportedly opted for the deal to end the lingering suit. The ex-governor and the London Metropolitan Police may begin court processes to actualise the deal today.?
But in a swift reaction to the alleged deal, the EFCC’s Acting Head of Media and and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, told LEADERSHIP yesterday that the EFCC was not involved in the plea bargain deal between Ibori and the London Police.
He said, “The EFCC has nothing to do with any plea bargaining deal. He is being tried in London for money laundering. It is not an EFCC matter. It is between him and the Metropolitan Police of London.”
The plea bargain system is an instrument used by some countries in Europe and elsewhere to ensure that public funds looted by any suspect is not lost completely. It is also adopted to save time and money which may be lost during appeal. The Ibori case is reported to have cost the London Police about ?14million in travel costs and other fees. The plea bargain, which has to be endorsed by the court, also ensures shorter jail term for an offender, while he forfeits an extensive part of the proceeds of the crime to the state.