Twenty Five witnesses of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are off to London over the trial of three associates of a former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori at the Southwark Court 8 in London .
The trial of the suspects resumes tomorrow.
The associates on trial for money laundering are Ibori’s sister, Christie Ibori-Ibie; his former Personal Assistant on Confidential Matters, Bimpe Pogoson; and another aide, Ms. Udoamaka Onuigbo-Okoronkwo.
The funds, allegedly belonging to Delta State , were said to be about £70million and laundered between 2001 and 2006.
Investigation by The Nation revealed that the witnesses, including operatives of the EFCC, will testify in the London trial which will resume tomorrow.
A top source, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, said: “We have secured a clearance letter from the Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Mike Aondoakaa (SAN) to release the witnesses to the UK .
“The EFCC has obtained visa for the 25 witnesses, who will be in London latest by Monday to testify that the accused persons are guilty of money laundering.
“As I am talking to you, some of the witnesses have left aboard the British Airways for London . But for security reasons, we will not release their names. “We are also keeping their movement log secret. If necessary, we may change their airlines because all parties are interested in the identities of the witnesses.
“With the release of the 25 witnesses, the Federal Government has clearly demonstrated that it is not shielding any Nigerian involved in the money laundering case from trial.”
It was however gathered that the release of the 25 witnesses also had a tinge of exchange diplomatic notes between the British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown and President Umaru Yar’Adua.
The source added: “In fact, during the week, a British Secretary was in Nigeria to deliver a message from the British Prime Minister, including some confidential information on why the witnesses should be released.
“The President was able to use the opportunity to restate his commitment to the anti-corruption crusade.”
Responding to a question, the source said the deferment of judgment on the charges against ex-Governor James Ibori and others by the Federal High Court, Asaba has hastened the movement of the 25 witnesses to the UK.
“You know that Judge Hardy of the Southwark Court 8 in London had on September 22 ruled that the suspects have a case to answer. “The judge added that the Prosecution had established a prima facie case against the suspects since “inference arguments are permissible in the UK .”
“But the trial of the suspects in London was stood down on September 28 for the Federal High Court, Asaba to give judgment on the validity of the charges against Ibori and Ms. Udoamaka Onuigbo-Okoronkwo.
“The UK Court took the decision because the charges against Ibori, Udoamaka and others in Nigeria have implications on the continuation or otherwise of the case in London .
“Ibori, Udoamaka are currently facing 170-count charge for money laundering while in office between 1999 and 2007 at the Federal High Court in Asaba alongside Mer Engineering Nigeria limited, Bainenox Limited, and Sagicon Nig. Limited.
“Although Ibori and others had entered a no-case submission before the court in Asaba, the trial judge, Justice Marcel Awokunlehin, on Friday failed to deliver judgement on the fate of the accused persons.
“The delay of the judgment is no doubt a setback for the Ibori camp because the verdict of the Federal High Court, Asaba could go a long way to determine the fate on Ibori’s aides.
“With the development from the Federal High Court, Asaba, the EFCC is now at liberty to send the 25 witnesses to the UK . “As it is now, the battle has shifted again to London Court .”
Investigation by our correspondent revealed that Awokunlehin could not deliver the judgment because he has been queried twice by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Idris Kutigi, on the basis of petitions from Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL) and Delta Elders Forum which includes a former Federal Commissioner for Information, Chief Edwin Clark.
The source added: “The allegations in the petitions were weighty and the judge in Asaba decided to tread the path of caution. This is a judge who cares about his integrity too and he would not want his image spoilt under any guise.
“I think Awokunlehin may not deliver the judgment till after he has been absolved of all the allegations against him.”While deferring the judgment, Awokunlehin had on Friday said: “The judgment was ready two weeks ago. But I will rather err on the side of caution than deliver my judgment now. “There are some issues that have developed from the last adjourned date to now which must be addressed. The matter is hereby adjourned to November 23 for my judgement.”