Etim Ekpimah
The United Kingdom authorities have initiated moves to confiscate about $39m from Bhadresh Gohil, a legal adviser to former governor of Delta State, James Ibori.
Gohil was said to have represented Ibori when the ex-governor was convicted in 2011 in London for laundering about $250m from Delta State treasury through V-Mobile shares deal he brokered with the Akwa Ibom State government.
Reuters reported on Thursday that British prosecutors opened a legal process to attempt to confiscate about £30.8m (about $39.3m) from Gohil who a willing conduit in the theft of public funds was reportedly.
Gohil was jailed for 10 years in 2010 on a 13-count of money-laundering and related offences associated with his role in the crime.
According to the report, hearing for the confiscation of the funds was held at the London’s Southwark Crown Court, with lead prosecution counsel Jonathan Kinnear opening his case against Gohil.