Dubai Court Orders Ibori's Trial Over Looting
On October 17, 2010, a Court of Appeal in Dubai, UAE, ruled that a former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, should be extradited to the UK to face trial for allegedly looting the state's treasury during his tenure.
Ibori was accused of laundering the funds through British banks, using relatives, lawyers, and close associates. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Nigerian Government in collaboration with the UK government pushed the case.
The decision followed a request from British authorities, supported by Nigeria, which detailed evidence of his financial crimes. Despite the ruling, sources close to Ibori indicated that he would appeal to the UAE Supreme Court within 30 days. However, Ibori was eventually extradited to London for trial and he was later convicted and jailed.
Army Begin Crocodile Smile Amid #EndSARS Protest
On this day in 2020, the Nigerian Army announced that it would begin Operation Crocodile Smile VI from October 20 to December 31 at a time when the #EndSARS protest was raging nationwide as the youths demanded an end to police brutality, extortions, and extrajudicial killings.
The exercise, according to the army's spokesperson then, Sagir Musa, was part of a yearly operation to curb crime as the end of the year approached. However, its timing amid peaceful protests against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) raised concerns and drew criticism from Nigerians.
Many people viewed it as an attempt to suppress the protests, leading to further tension. Three days later, soldiers later took part in the tragic shooting and killing of unarmed protesters at Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos.
Other key events on this day
1. Classes began at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN with an enrolment of 220 students and 13 members of the academic staff - 1960
2. The UN Security Council elected Lithuania, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Chad and Chile to a two-year term - 2013
3. The United States population reached 300 million people - 2006
4. Gangster, Al Capone, convicted of tax evasion, signaling the downfall of one of the most notorious criminals - 1931
5. Serbia and Greece declared war on Ottoman Empire in First Balkan War - 1912
6. Oakland‑San Francisco World Series game postponed because of earthquake - 1989
7. OPEC enacted oil embargo - 1973
8. Bobby Fischer won the game of the century beating Donald Byrne - 1956
9. Cullin-la-Ringo Massacre in Australia occurred - 1861
10. London beer flood occurred as beer that burst from brewery flooded the streets - 1814.
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