afrol News, 13 December - The former governor of the oil-rich Delta State in Nigeria, James Ibori, has denied all the 103 counts of corruption, money laundering and abuse of office brought against him by the state.

The wealthy and powerful political kingpin is a close ally of President Umar Yar'Adua who is being tried in Kaduna.

His arrest and charge was on the orders of the national anti-corruption agency [Economic and Financial Crimes Commission].

He had lost his immunity in May when he left office, but most Nigerians think he would remain a sacred cow, considering his closeness to the President. However, it was not clear whether Yar'Adua, who is out of the country, was aware of the development.

The ex-governor also has a case to answer in the British jurisdiction. This followed the freezing of his assets and the arrest of his wife Theresa Nkoyo at Heathrow airport in August and October, respectively. His wife was also accused of money laundering.

Ibori was said to have transferred more than US $35 million worth of assets abroad, although his annual salary stands below US $25,000.

Nigerian police had earlier crack down on five other ex-governors, including Orji Kalu former governor of Abia State, after they were accused of corruption by the national anti-corruption commission.

Nigeria ranks fifth in the world's oil producing nations. The Niger Delta - an area with the country’s huge oil deposits - remains Nigeria's poorest and underdeveloped region.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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