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Former Nigerian Governor Arrested in UAE


Nigeria's anti-graft agency says a former state governor wanted on corruption charges has been arrested in Dubai.

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission chairwoman Farida Waziri says James Ibori was taken into custody Wednesday by the international police agency Interpol.

Ibori is wanted for money laundering in both Nigeria and Britain, where several of his associates are under investigation.

It is not clear when he traveled to the United Arab Emirates.

Investigators have accused the prominent former state governor in the oil-rich Niger Delta region of money laundering. They say he used shares in a state-owned bank to secure a $290 million private loan from another bank.

Ibori has said the accusations are politically motivated.

In April, an angry mob stopped police from arresting Ibori in his hometown of Oghara. A police spokesman said law enforcement officials retreated after they were attacked.

News reports say Ibori was granted bail, following his arrest in Dubai.

Reuters news quotes Waziri as saying Nigerian officials are consulting with Britain on where Ibori may stand trial.

Some information for this report was provided by Reuters.

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