Asaba, Nigeria - A Nigerian court on Thursday dismissed corruption charges against James Ibori, a former governor of the oil-rich state of Delta, who was accused of stealing millions of dollars during his tenure.
Anti-corruption officials have vowed to appeal against the acquittal of Ibori, who ruled the southern state from 1999 to 2007.
"There is no clear evidence to support the charges. I hereby discharge and acquit the defendant," said Judge Marcel Awokulehin of the Federal High Court in Asaba.
His ruling came after three previous adjournments since November.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which brought the 170-count charge against Ibori, denounced the decision.
"We have instructed our lawyers to immediately file an appeal against Justice Awokulehin's judgment at a higher court," said the commission.
"This kind of judgment if not challenged is capable of deepening the menace of corruption in our country rather than contributing in any way to the cause of justice, which is the basis of sustaining our democratic governance."
The trial, which began in January 2008 in the northern city of Kaduna, was transferred to Asaba, the capital of Delta, at the request of Ibori, who cited security concerns.
He was later granted bail after meeting some stringent terms, including payment of a 50 million naira (R2.5m) bond and leaving his passport with the court.
British police have also been investigating Ibori since the discovery of assets suspected to have been acquired with stolen money.
His trial at Southwark Crown Court in London, with his alleged accomplice Udoamaka Okonkwo, was suspended to allow the Nigerian case to run its course, on the grounds that its outcome would have a bearing on the British case.
In his eight years as governor, Ibori's annual salary was less than $25 000 (R190 000), yet according to media reports he was able to transfer millions of dollars to British bank accounts.
A British court has frozen $35m worth of his assets, according to the British media. - Sapa-AFP