On October 17, 2010, a Dubai Court of Appeal ruled for the extradition of former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori, to the UK to face trial over allegations of money laundering and looting state funds during his tenure. The UK, in collaboration with Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accused Ibori of laundering approximately $250 million through British banks using associates and relatives. Despite plans to appeal the decision, Ibori was eventually extradited and later convicted.
Also on this day in 2020, the Nigerian Army announced the commencement of Operation Crocodile Smile VI during the peak of the #EndSARS protests, which were driven by demands to end police brutality. The operation, typically aimed at crime prevention, sparked criticism for its timing, as many saw it as an attempt to suppress the peaceful demonstrations. This led to heightened tension, culminating in the tragic Lekki Toll Gate shooting of unarmed protesters three days later.