Nigeria's president has pardoned a former state governor and close political ally who admitted to money laundering and stealing millions of dollars of public funds.
Former Bayelsa State governor Diepraye Alamieyeseigha was sentenced in 2007 to two years in jail, after pleading guilty to the charges. He was released days later because he had already spent that amount of time in custody.
Alamieyeseigha was arrested in London in 2005 following allegations he brought properties there using state funds. But he fled after being granted bail and returned to Nigeria where he had immunity from prosecution while in office.
Alamieyeseigha was later impeached due to the charges, bringing his deputy at the time, now president, Goodluck Jonathan into power.
Mr. Jonathan's pardon will allow Alamieyeseigha to again serve in office.
Former Bayelsa State governor Diepraye Alamieyeseigha was sentenced in 2007 to two years in jail, after pleading guilty to the charges. He was released days later because he had already spent that amount of time in custody.
Alamieyeseigha was arrested in London in 2005 following allegations he brought properties there using state funds. But he fled after being granted bail and returned to Nigeria where he had immunity from prosecution while in office.
Alamieyeseigha was later impeached due to the charges, bringing his deputy at the time, now president, Goodluck Jonathan into power.
Mr. Jonathan's pardon will allow Alamieyeseigha to again serve in office.