Rowland Nakanda, the brother of Teresa Ibori, had previously been found guilty of two counts of money laundering following a month-long trial at Southwark Crown Court. The investigation into Rowland commenced during the inquiry into the
corrupt activities of the former governor of Delta State, James Ibori. James and Teresa Ibori were convicted of fraud and money laundering in 2012 and were sentenced to a total of 18 years’ imprisonment for corruption.
Following the conviction of the Iboris, Rowland became guardians of the Ibori’s 3 children. And despite their parents’ convictions, they’re being educated at a private school and it was established that Rowland had continued to pay the school fees. Enquiries revealed that he had paid the fees to the school’s bank account in cash. CCTV revealed that on one day alone, he paid over £15,000 in cash for the school fees of two of the children.
A financial investigation was able to trace £350,000 in unexplained cash deposits going through his accounts following the convictions of the Iboris. Rowland previously worked for the Royal Mail and lived a modest lifestyle with his wife in Essex. Investigators were able to prove that he knew that the money he was dealing with was the proceeds of criminal conduct and had originated from James Ibori’s corrupt activity while he was governor.
Rowland was sentenced to two-and-a-half years’ imprisonment. His wife, Chifu, was acquitted of all charges. A total of 9 people linked to Ibori have now been convicted of money laundering offenses and they have received sentences totaling over 50 years….. I jst hope James has learnt his lesson n won’t steal our money again when he becomes d president of Nigeria come 2023…..
