Ibori Bribe: Chibuike Achibu Arrested, Then Released As EFCC Links Him With Another Money Laundering Scandal

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested and released Chibuike Achibu, the businessman who tried to claim a controversial $15 million bribe now with the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The money was allegedly given by James Ibori, a former Delta State governor who is currently serving a term of imprisonment in London for money laundering, to the then EFCC chairman, Nuhu Ribadu.

Mr. Achibu was arrested last Friday in Lagos and flown to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja when he was interrogated to determine his involvement with the bribe saga.

While with the EFCC in Abuja, Mr. Achibu reportedly listed his companies and one of them was found to have been used in another money laundering scheme by a former governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva. Mr. Sylva is also undergoing trial for money laundering before an Abuja high court.

Mr. Achibu was released by the EFCC yesterday on what was described as "administrative bail" after he reportedly gave a useful statement as to his motive for coming forward by means of a court affidavit that he owned the $15 million Ibori gave Ribadu at the home of a former domestic assistant to former President Obasanjo, and now Senator, Andy Uba.

Last week, an Abuja Magistrate court ordered the Inspector-General of Police to conduct a thorough criminal investigation of Senator Andy Uba, and Mr. Achigbu over the money.

The court order was as a result of a complaint filed by a lawyer, Festus Keyamo in which he accused the two men of conspiracy, abetment, and bribery in respect of the money.