Date Published: 04/02/11

Ibori released on health grounds in Dubai....Wont return to Nigeria ...Still faces extradition to the UK

James ibori

Ex Delta State Governor, James Ibori was, Saturday morning set free from detention by a court in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

But thefugitive is not expecd to return to Nigeria as the money laundering charge against him by heBrtish government i still pending.

Pointblanknews.com leant that he would be at home in Dubai while his appeal against the lower court whichordered his removal to theUnied Kingdom, continues.

Ibori, who is facing a deportation request from the London Metropolitan Police for trial in the United Kingdom to face corruption charges, was freed on health grounds. The health of the former governor is said to have deteriorated while in detention and he is said to be suffering from high blood pressure.

A senior government official confirmed the release of Ibori. He however stated that the decision was purely that of the Dubai justice official. The official, who expressed shock at the news, however said the judgement of the Dubai court ‘does not have anything to do with the charges Ibori is facing here.'

An aide to Ibori , Tony Eluemunor, who onfirmed his release to pointblanlnews.com declined to say if Ibori would return to Nigeria from Dubai. There has, however, been wild celebration in Oghara and parts of Delta State, where freedom parties are being arranged in honour of the former governor.