Former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori, on Sunday declared that he is not a thief. He made the declaration during a thanksgiving service organised in his honour in Oghara, his hometown. He disclosed that while in prison in the United Kingdom, UK, his biggest concern was how his people were coping with his absence.

According to Ibori “I am not a thief and cannot be a thief”.

Ibori was convicted by a UK court after pleading guilty to money laundering charges in 2014.

The Oghara-born politician, who was recently released after completing his jail term in the UK, arrived the country last Saturday amid celebrations from people of Delta State.

A lavish thanksgiving was held at First Baptist Church, Ogharafe. From far and near, dignitaries honoured the service in solidarity with the former governor of Delta State. Those in attendance included the incumbent governor of the state, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa. Hon Ossai N. Ossai, Hon Ochor Chris Ochor, Mercy Almona Isei, traditional rulers, among others.