A London Court of Appeal has upheld a £101.5 million asset confiscation order against former Delta State Governor, James Ibori, dismissing his latest legal challenge to the massive financial penalty.
The ruling, delivered on November 3, 2026, dealt a fresh legal blow to the former governor, whose appeal sought to overturn or reduce the confiscation order valued at approximately $136.05 million.
The case is linked to long-running legal proceedings in the United Kingdom over allegations that Ibori acquired substantial wealth through the embezzlement of public funds during his tenure as governor of Delta State between 1999 and 2007.
The latest decision means the £101.5 million confiscation order remains in force, following the rejection of his attempt to challenge the amount.
Ibori’s legal troubles in the United Kingdom date back several years. In 2012, he pleaded guilty to multiple counts of money laundering and conspiracy to defraud at Southwark Crown Court in London and was subsequently sentenced to 13 years in prison.
His conviction followed an extensive investigation into the movement of funds allegedly stolen from Delta State and laundered through international financial networks.
The confiscation proceedings form part of efforts by UK authorities to recover proceeds of corruption and return assets linked to criminal activities.
The latest ruling represents another significant development in the long-running legal battle over Ibori’s assets and the recovery of funds associated with his time in office.
