Nigeria ex-governor freed early

Alamieyeseigha was the first ex-governor convicted of corruption

A former governor of Nigeria's Bayelsa state has been released from prison two days after receiving a two-year sentence for money laundering.

Diepreye Alamaieyeseigha's early release is reported to be the result of a plea bargain. On Thursday he pleaded guilty to six corruption charges.

He was arrested in Britain in 2005 but fled to Nigeria where he was arrested later that year and sacked as governor.

He was ordered to hand over property, stocks and cash.

He had been in custody since being re-arrested in Nigeria in December 2005, so he had served most of his two-year sentence.

Officials said Alamieyeseigha left the UK disguised in women's clothing, a claim he has consistently denied.

He is the first ex-governor to be convicted for corruption.

Many mansions

Despite the short jail term and the early release, analysts say his conviction is a sign that President Umara Yar'Adua is serious about continuing Olusegun Obasanjo's anti-corruption drive.

He succeeded Mr Obasanjo at the end of May.

Alamieyeseigha was accused of owning multi-million dollar mansions in Nigeria and abroad and pleaded guilty to embezzlement and money laundering.

Five other former governors are currently facing charges of corruption, theft and money laundering in courts in Abuja and Lagos.

Two of the ex-governors were released on bail on Friday but the court set stringent conditions to stop them fleeing.