Lagos (Nigeria), Apr 16 (AP/PTI) A powerful former Nigerian governor has been extradited to London on allegations of funneling USD 292 million in stolen state funds to British banks, Nigeria's antigraft body said.
James Ibori's extradition comes just hours before tens of millions of Nigerians vote in today's presidential election.
Nigerian authorities said the process was delayed after the former governor of Nigeria's oil-rich Delta state claimed he was a victim of political persecution.
Ibori was a major campaign contributor to the late president whose successor is now running for the office himself.
A spokesman for Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission called the arrest "a warning to others who do everything to slow down the wheel of criminal prosecution in Nigeria."
Femi Babafemi said Ibori fled to Dubai after a warrant for his arrest was issued in Nigeria.