A LONDON court has made a significant ruling against Bhadresh Gohil, an ex-lawyer of former Nigerian oil state governor James Ibori, ordering him to pay nearly $36 million for aiding in the concealment of illegally acquired funds. Gohil, who was convicted in 2010 on 13 counts of money laundering and other offences related to his role in assisting Ibori, must make the payment or face an additional six-year sentence, according to the Crown Prosecution Office (CPS) statement.
This decision comes on the heels of James Ibori’s own confiscation order, where he was ordered to pay $130 million or serve an eight-year sentence. Ibori, who served as governor of Delta State in southern Nigeria from 1999 to 2007, misused his office to amass wealth and launder millions of dollars in Britain and other countries.
The case involving Ibori and Gohil is particularly noteworthy, as it is rare for foreign kleptocrats, despite Britain’s reputation as a global money-laundering hub, to face prosecution in the country. The confiscation process took over a decade due to lengthy court delays and legal complexities in London.
UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) played a role in the process, emphasising its commitment to pursue criminally obtained assets invested in Britain. Suzanne Foster, NCA Branch Commander, stated, ‘Ibori’s funds will be returned to the Nigerian government where they will be reinvested into public services.’
Helen Taylor, a senior legal researcher at the campaign group Spotlight on Corruption, regarded the orders as a significant milestone in the lengthy legal proceedings. However, she cautioned that enforcement and repatriation would present challenges. In 2021, Britain returned £4.2 million confiscated from Ibori’s ex-wife and sister, who also served jail time for aiding him.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts to recover assets gained through illicit means and invested in Britain. It represents a pivotal step in addressing the issue of money laundering and ensuring that confiscated assets are transparently and accountably returned to Nigeria.
