SO WE STILL HAVE GOOD JUDGES?

The Verdict
Judge Hardy acknowledged all the pleas, made mention of the special circumstances of them being far away from home, the effect of the custodial sentence on Udoamaka’s 5 year old daughter and especially because of her medical conditions. He also acknowledged the effect on Christine Ibori’s three children and he acknowledged the character witness of the pastor and the medical report submitted. He then stated as follows:

“ I am convinced you each indeed knew of these crimes, but refused to plead guilty when the opportunity was made available to you. I want to make it absolutely clear that Nigeria’s judiciary was usurped. Countries who are signatories to fighting corruption and money laundering must live to the full letter of their commitments. I would therefore apply the full weight of the British law to serve as punishment and deterrent. The jury was satisfied that you were connected to the assets that were spread all over the world including safe havens. Each of you benefited massively. You are not simply agents. Who knows how much you are still hiding?“ With these words, Judge Hardy then sentenced Christine Ibori- Ibie and Udoamaka Okoronkwo -Onuigbo to a total of 21 years in prison to be served concurrently; technically each accused person would serve 5 years in prison. There was wild jubilation in the gallery with Nigerian shouting repeatedly ‘Finally! Justice for the people of Nigeria’.

The convicts were led away by three prison guard, made of 2 female and a male- At this point everyone rushed out to catch a glimpse of the prison van that drove the convicts away.

4:00 PM the prison van drove the newest addition from Southwark Crown court 8 to prison to begin a five year prison sentence as pronounce by Judge hardy.