A London court has ruled that the lawyer of a former Nigerian governor must pay around $36 million (£28 million) as a result of his involvement in concealing illicit funds.

Back in 2010, Bhadresh Gohil was convicted of money laundering for his role in helping James Ibori, the former governor of the oil-rich Delta State, to hide the proceeds obtained through criminal activities.

Both Gohil and Ibori had previously served prison sentences in the UK for their roles in the money laundering scheme.

In addition to the lawyer's penalty, the court directed Mr. Ibori, who currently resides in Nigeria, to surrender $130 million of embezzled funds .

The London court issued a strong warning that both men would face further prison terms if they failed to comply with the orders to make the required payments.