There were indications on Thursday that investigators from the British Police had arrived in Nigeria to continue their investigation of the former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, over allegation of money laundering.
The outcome of the investigations in Nigeria is expected to form part of the evidence that will be presented by the Economic and Specialist Crimes Directorate of Metropolitan Police when the case comes up before a London Appeal Court in November.
A report by the internet-based Saharareporters.com said on Thursday that the officers arrived in the country on Wednesday.
The investigators were billed to have arrived in Nigerian on Wednesday October 10.
They, however, failed to show up while no reason was offered for the inability of the investigators to keep their date with the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Michael Aondoakaa.
The AGF had told our correspondent on Sunday before travelling to Singapore that he had made necessary arrangement for the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice to receive the British investigators when they arrived the country.
The AGF added that part of the institutions which the investigators had indicated their intention to visit included the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission and the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Aondoakaa had also said the Federal Government would challenge the ex-parte order granted by a Benin Federal High Court which prevented the EFCC from compelling the Delta State Government to release any documents that might help in the prosecution of the former governor.
This was even as unconfirmed reports by the Saharareporters.com alleged that the embattled former governor held a secret meeting with three Deputy Inspectors General of Police in the United States as part of moves to frustrate the investigations.
The three DIGs, who were said to have attended the 114th annual International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference and Exposition in New Orleans, Louisiana, allegedly sneaked out of the conference to meet Ibori in California.
Attempts by our correspondent to speak with the spokesman of the police authorities were unsuccessful.
Calls made to the telephone line of the Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Haz Iwendi, did not go through.
Oct192007