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Tag: EFCC

Why EFCC filed charges against CCT chair

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed charges against the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Justice Danladi Umar, based on a ruling of the High Court, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), it was learnt yesterday.

Justice Chizoba Oji had in a ruling admitted the initial statement by Ali Gambo Abdullahi( the Personal Assistant to the CCT chairman) in which he allegedly claimed that he collected a bribe for Justice Umar.

The admission of the statement by the court was said to have paved the way for the preferring of charges against the CCT chairman by the EFCC.

A source in EFCC said: “Justice Oji admitted in evidence statement made by Personal Assistant to the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Ali Gambo Abdullahi, that implicated his boss, Danladi Umar in a N10 million bribery scandal.

“The judge on March 6, 2017 dismissed the claim by Abdullahi that the statement he made in 2013 was under duress from some operatives of the EFCC during interrogation.

“In August 12, 2013, Abdullahi had said under oath that he was forced to implicate the CCT chairman. But he later recanted in court, leading to the ruling of Justice Oji.

“On the basis of the ruling on the legality of the statement of the Personal Assistant, the EFCC resumed probe of the CCT chairman and filed charges against him.

“It was not a case of EFCC approbating and reprobating. EFCC filed the charges as a result of this new development at the FCT High Court. There was no personal motive at all and nobody is after the judge under any guise.”

Also yesterday, The Nation stumbled on a document which indicated that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), did not query the Acting Chairman of the EFCC Magu.

Malami, had through the Solicitor-General of the Federation, Mr. Dayo Apata, only demanded for a briefing from Magu on the status of a March 5, 2015 letter to a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Anyim Pius Anyim, by a former Chairman of EFCC, CP Ibrahim Lamorde, in relation to the charges preferred against the CCT chairman.

The February 16, 2018 letter said in part: “The attention of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation was drawn to news report that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has filed charges of corruption against the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

“I am directed by the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation to seek clarification from you as to whether charges were filed on your instruction or directive and if in the affirmative, what is the compelling basis for doing so.

“In view of the foregoing, the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation requests for your prompt briefing as to the existence of new facts which are contrary to the position in your attached investigation report, sufficient evidence or other developments upon which the prosecution of Hon. Justice Danladi Umar can be successfully based.

“Kindly accord this letter top priority while your prompt response within 48 hours from the receipt of same is required in the circumstances. Please accept the assurances of the esteemed regards and best wishes of the AGF and Minister of Justice.”

An EFCC source stressed that the letter from the HAGF was not a query, contrary to insinuations. “If the HAGF is seeking the status of an investigation report of 2015 , does it amount to a query?” the source asked.

He went on: “The report in question, which the HAGF wanted a clarification even preceded the appointment of the Acting chairman of EFCC. There was a leakage somewhere because the HAGF’s letter through the Solicitor-General was already in the media before it was brought to the EFCC on Monday.”

The report of the 2015 investigation report was sent to a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, by Lamorde.

The covering letter said: “We refer to your letter ref. No. SGF.19./S.24/11/451 dated 23rd February 2015 on the above mentioned case reported by one Mr. Rasheed Taiwo (DCG rtd) of 6AB Milverton Road, Lagos against the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Justice Danladi Umar and his Personal Assistant, one Gambo Abdullahi.

“The complainant, who is facing charges at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, alleged that Justice Umar made direct demand for the sum of N10 million to quash the charges sometime in 2012. He disclosed that he was compelled to pay the sum of N1.8 million after persistent inundation with phone calls from Justice Umar, who received the bribe through the Zenith Bank account of one Ali Gambo Abdullahi, his personal Assistant in December, 2012.

“Investigation was extended to one Hon. Justice G.A Oguntade (Rtd) who confirmed that the complainant informed him in 2012 of the issues he had at the Tribunal and the demand being made by Justice Umar. He disclosed that Justice Umar denied the allegation when he called him.

“There are indications that the Tribunal Chairman might have demanded and collected money from the complainant through his said Personal Assistant.

“However, efforts made to recover the telephone handset used by Justice Umar proved abortive, as he claimed that he had lost the telephone in 2012. This has made it impossible to subject it to independent scientific analysis with a view to corroborating the allegation.

“In the same vein, the complainant could also not make available his telephone set for analysis on the grounds that he had lost it. Justice Umar also admitted that he met privately with the complainant in his chamber at the Tribunal. This is a most unethical and highly suspicious conduct on his part.

”There is a prima facie evidence to however prosecute the Personal Assistant, Abdullahi, who could offer no coherent excuse for receiving N1.8million into his salary account from Taiwo, who is an accused person standing trial at the tribunal.

“The full money has been recovered from him in May 2014 and aptly registered as exhibit. The fact that he made two contradictory statements on the reason he was paid the money, is clearly an attempt to cover up on the reason the money was paid to him. He has accordingly been charged to court in charge no. CR/137/2015 pending at the High Court of FCT, Abuja.

“However the facts as they are now against Justice Umar raised a mere suspicion and will therefore not be sufficient to successfully prosecute him for the offence.

“Above is submitted for the information of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, please.”

The Secretary to EFCC, Mr. Emamnuel Adegboyega Aremo, in another letter to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on April 20, 2016, exonerated Justice Danladi of corrupt practices.

The letter said: “We will like to reiterate the Commission’s position in regard to this matter as earlier communicated to you and state that the allegations levelled against Justice Umar were mere suspicions and consequently insufficient to successfully prosecute the offence.”

The EFCC filed a two-count charge against the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal in connection with alleged N10million bribery scam.

He was alleged to have demanded the bribe from a former Comptroller of Customs, Mr. Rasheed Owolabi Taiwo.

Umar is going to face trial in the High Court of FCT.

February 21, 2018
Corruption: Buhari needs support not insults – Activist

An activist and public affairs commentator in Adamawa, Alhaji Suleiman Baba-Jada has urged Nigerians to render more support to the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari to tackle corruption and other challenges facing the nation.

Baba-Jada told News men in an interview on Monday in Yola that what Buhari needed to address the various challenges was support from Nigerians not insults and unwarranted criticisms.

“The president needs support instead of inciting criticisms mostly from those who are perceived as corrupt people with cases to answer in EFCC.

“The whole thing looks more like corruption is fighting back, and that is the more reason why Nigerians must stand up and support the president.

“The situation we have now with many people with corrupt cases occupying elected positions means that definitely the fight against corruption won’t be that easy for the president,” Baba-Jada said.

According to him, the inciting criticisms are meant to distract the president.

He warned that such people “risk the wrath of the silent majority that is yearning for an end to the menace of corruption and other acts of criminality in the country.”

Baba-Jada backed the setting up of special courts to try corruption cases, saying it would eliminate the delay being experienced in dispensing of such cases, a situation which has been denting the image of the country.

Read Also: Catholic bishops confront Buhari over performance

“I also want to declare my support for Magu, the EFCC boss, who I believe has good intention and commitment to deliver in his job.”

The septuagenarian, who spoke on hate speech, cautioned journalists against being used by unpatriotic politicians and ethnic champions to heat up the polity.

“We are seeing how politicians who lost out in elections or were not given appointment are using the media to insult their perceived enemies in the name of freedom of expression.

“The media need to be careful from being used to create problems by such politicians and ethnic champions.

“We are seeing how such politicians who used to be close to Buhari are now attacking everything thing he does in an attempt to settle personal scores just, because they were not given appointments or carried along.

“Some of them have access to the president but they rather chose to get to him using the media in a combative and derogatory language,” Baba-Jada said.

He also urged Buhari to change his approach to issues “by being more firm and decisive to prove wrong the impression being given by his traducers that he is being controlled by a cabal.”

NAN

February 19, 2018
$11.489m: EFCC rejects Patience Jonathan’s settlement offer

Former First Lady Patience Jonathan’s bid to settle out of court the brewing dispute over the strange payment of $11,489,069.03 into her domiciliary accounts has been rejected.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked the ex-First Lady to come before a court by entering into a plea bargain in line with the laws of the land.

The agency said it would only accept a plea bargain in which the court is carried along.

Also, EFCC detectives have not been able to trace about 29 of the 31 individuals and companies which made the controversial deposits.

The development has fuelled speculations that some of the depositors are “fictitious”.

Some of the shops where the ex-First Lady visited are said to have offered to give details of how much was spent and the items bought.

The EFCC believes that an out-of-court settlement suggests that there is a dispute between two parties.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “We have considered the January 30, 2018 letter by Dame (Mrs.) Ibifaka Patience Jonathan; we are of the opinion that her offer of out-of-court settlement is strange and confounding as if there is a dispute between her and the EFCC.

“We are certainly rejecting the offer from the ex-First Lady because the EFCC does not engage in such a deal.

“But we prefer the ex-First Lady approaching a court for plea bargain in line with the relevant laws if she is ready to settle all issues. The terms of the plea bargain will be open to all parties before the court.

“I think she should emulate other high profile suspects who went to the court for plea bargain. We are ready to apply the laws in the interest of justice for all. We won’t oppose plea bargain.”

The source said the EFCC would soon make its position known to Mrs Jonathan counsel. “As an officer in the Temple of Justice, we know that the respected Senior Advocate of Nigeria(SAN) will guide the ex-First Lady accordingly,” he said.

February 19, 2018
N600m slush fund: Bafarawa queries EFCC over non-trial of Odili, Ahmadu Ali, George, others
A former Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, is angry with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly singling him out for trial over the N600million cash given to six leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by a former Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda.

The ex-governor wants to know why Chief Jim Nwobodo (South-East), Dr. Peter Odili (South-South), Chief Bode George (South-West), Alhaji Yerima Abdullahi (North-East), and Col. Ahmadu Ali (North-Central) who allegedly shared in the money are excluded from trial.

He says each of the presidential election contact chairmen for the six (6) geo-political zones was given N100million.

Bafarawa, in a petition on his ordeal to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN) alleged selective corruption prosecution against “my son, Sagir Attahiru and I by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).”

He said the action of the anti-corruption agency “leaves little to be desired and is discriminatory against me.”

Continuing, he said: “In 2015, I alongside five (5) other persons was among other presidential election contact Chairmen for the six (6) geo-political zones in the country.

“The six persons appointed were Sen. Jim Nwobodo (South-East), Dr Peter Odili (South-South), Chief Bode George (South-West), Alhaji Yerima Abdullahi (North-East), Col. Ahmadu Ali (North-Central) and myself (North-West). We were given N100million each by a former Minister State Finance, Bashir Yuguda and were directed to disburse same to the state elders of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in our zones for campaign expenses.

“We were not given any information that it was Federal Government money but since this happened after PDP has raised money for campaign I believed it was from it that this money was given to us.

“l am Nigerian citizen and a senior at that. That manner in which the EFCC has persecuted me in the name of prosecution is a cause for alarm. May I note that I am not saying I am above the law but I think it is only conscionable for me to be tried for whatever offence I am accused of committing within the ambits of the law instead of the media trial I have been subjected to in the hands of EFCC.

“What is the rationale to single me out for prosecution while others in the same category with me are left not prosecuted. What is the rationale of EFCC to be prosecuting me without investigating and prosecuting those who are the beneficiaries of the funds.

“In a civilized society, I ought to be a witness to the prosecution to enable the government get its money back from the people whom I paid assuming it is Federal Government’s money.

“I urge the Honourable Attorney General and Minister of Justice to conduct an investigation into this complaint and make the necessary recommendations so that my family will stop being dragged in the mud and to enable the cause of Justice have its proper way.”

Bafarawa, who released the list of those he gave his own share of N100million, said he added extra N200, 000 to what was disbursed to him by the ex-Minister.

He said: “On my part, I disbursed the said money to PDP Chairmen in my zone with even an additional N200, 000 totaling N1.2million only between January 12, 2015 and March 17,2015. Upon which I am expecting a refund before my arrest.”

He listed the beneficiaries as:
1. Kebbi State: Abdullahi Yelwa—0050222873 – Access Bank Mobile No. 08037882327 (N15,600,000.00) 12/1/2015 (Transfer)
2. Jigawa State: Bashir M. Daihatu—1003873037 Zenith Bank Mobile No 08063029297 (N15,600,000.00) 12/02/2015 (Transfer )
3. Zamfara State: Bala Mohammed Mande 1001340999 Keystone Bank Mobile No. 07064886648 (N15,700,000.00) 12/01/2015 (Transfer )
4. Kaduna State: Senator Musa Bello-0025256324 -Diamond Bank Mobile No. 08033078989 (N16,200,000.00) 12/01/2015 (Transfer )
5. Kano State: Habibu Shuaibu—1002417106 Zenith Bank Mobile No. 08033243111 (N15,100,000.00) 12/01/2015 (Transfer )
6. Katsina State: Amb. Adamu Saidu Daura—1002074068 Keystone Bank -Mobile No. 08032877665 (N15,700,000.00) 12/01/2015 (Transfer)
7. Sokoto State: Engr. Mohammad Tori —Mobile No. 08035868876 (N3,300,000.00) 12/01/2015 (Cash)
8. J Sokoto State : Ahmad Mohd Gusau -Mobile No. 08033034233 (N3,000,000.00) 12/01/2015 (Cash)
“It is thus baffling to see that l was the only one who was arrested and being prosecuted for an offence I did not commit. The money l got was meant for the purpose of the 2015 elections and same was utilized for the purpose.

“The EFCC did not deem it fit to invite the persons to which I disbursed the money to. Just like the others, I am an agent of a disclosed principal but due to whatever personal scores the EFCC has with me, I am the only one who has been made a subject of ridicule by the EFCC.

“You will recall that a chieftain in Ondo State, Chief Olu Falae, also got some certain amount of money but the EFCC has not deemed it fit to prosecute him. What made my case worse is the fact that I did not spend a kobo for myself in the said sum of money but disbursed it as instructed.

“ The Gestapo manner with which the EFCC operatives stormed my apartment at 6.00am on 19th November, 2015 at Usuma Street Maitama, Abuja is one which would create an impression that l have committed a capital offence even when l have not committed any. The operatives neither presented a warrant of arrest nor a court order giving them authority to arrest me.

“Fortunately, l was not in the country when this happened but through phone call l caused my lawyers, Lateef Fagbemi SAN & CO to write a letter to the EFCC on the 25th November, 2015 informing them of my intention to honour the invitation on my return to the country while also protesting the illegal invasion of my house.

“The letter is hereto attached as Annexure B for your attention. Upon my return to the country, | honoured the EFCC invitation on 1St of December, 2015 and l was detained for 3 weeks at the EFCC office before I was transferred to Kuje Prisons on the 22nd December, 2015, l was however released on bail.

“My travails in the hands of the EFCC continued despite the fact that I stated to the EFCC quite categorically how I disbursed the money in question on the instruction of the party. I gave EFCC names of persons I gave the money to, their bank account numbers (to which I disbursed the money) and their addresses.

“What I expected and what would have been the right thing to do was to invite the persons whom I disbursed the money to confirm the veracity or otherwise of my statement.

“The attempt by the EFCC to smear my hard earned name has been extended to my son, Sagir Attahiru, who disbursed funds (N4.5billion) given to him by NSA office only based on the instruction of the NSA.

“He was arrested by the EFCC on the 24th November, 2015 and detained for over a month and four days both at EFCC cell and Kuje Prisons before his release on bail on 28th December, 2015.

“My son, Sagir, only acted on the express instruction of Col. Dasuki as can be seen from the document which he has submitted to the EFCC.”
February 18, 2018
Alleged N10m bribe: EFCC to arraign CCT chairman March 16

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will on March 16 arraign the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Justice Danladi Yakubu Umar, in connection with alleged N10million bribery scam.

He was alleged to have demanded for the bribe from a former Comptroller of Customs, Mr. Rasheed Owolabi Taiwo.

Umar is going to face trial in the High Court of Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In the charge sheet, the CCT chairman was alleged to have collected N1.8 million bribe, suspected to be part of the N10million, through his personal assistant, Alhaji Gambo Abdullahi.

The suspect will be prosecuted by Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN) on behalf of the Federal Government.

A top source in the commission said: “The CCT chairman will be arraigned on March 16 before Justice Ishaq Bello of the FCT High Court.

“The onus is on Justice Umar to prove before the court that he did not receive any bribe from the ex-Comptroller of Customs.”

The charges read in part: “That you, Danladi Yakubu Umar, being the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal and presiding over a case with Charge No. CCT/ABJ/03/12, involving one Rasheed Owolabi Taiwo, sometime in 2012, at Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did ask for the sum of N10 million from the said Rasheed Owolabi Taiwo, for a favour to be afterwards shown to him in relation to the pending charge (No. CCT/ABJ/03/12) in discharge of your official duties and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 12(1) (a) & (b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2003; and

“That you, Danladi Yakubu Umar, being the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal and presiding over a case with Charge No. CCT/ABJ/03/12, involving one Rasheed Owolabi Taiwo, sometime in 2012, at Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did receive the sum of N1.8 million from the said Rasheed Owolabi Taiwo, through your personal assistant by name Alhaji Gambo Abdullahi, for a favour to be afterwards shown to him in relation to the pending charge (No. CCT/ABJ/03/12) in discharge of your official duties and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 12(1) (a) & (b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2003.”

With five witnesses already lined up, the EFCC said it would rely on a petition dated June 20, 2013, by Rasheed O. Taiwo; the statement of the CCT chairman; the Zenith Bank statement of Taiwo Rasheed Owolabi; the Zenith Bank Statement of Ali Gambo Abdullahi and a copy of Zenith Bank Cheque of Taiwo Rasheed Owolabi; a copy of Zenith Bank Cheque of Ali Gambo Abdullahi and all processes and documents in the suit

But as at press time, findings confirmed that the CCT chairman was yet to be served.

A source said: “The CCT chairman has not received any notice of his arraignment by the EFCC.”

February 15, 2018
Alleged N10m bribe: EFCC to arraign CCT chairman March 16

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will arraign the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Justice Danladi Yakubu Umar, in connection with alleged N10million bribery scam on March 16.

He was alleged to have demanded for the bribe from a former Comptroller of Customs, Mr. Rasheed Owolabi Taiwo.

Umar will be arraigned at the High Court of Federal Capital Territory.

In the charge sheet, marked CR/109/18, the CCT chairman was alleged to have collected N1.8million bribe, suspected to be part of the N10million through his Personal Assistant, Alhaji Gambo Abdullahi.

The suspect will be prosecuted by Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN) on behalf of the Federal Government.

February 14, 2018
Patience Jonathan: Ozekhome, EFCC’s lawyer clash over representation

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Mike Ozekhome and counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Rotimi Oyedepo, clashed at the Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday.

The disagreement was over the representation of four companies that pleaded guilty to laundering $15.5million allegedly belonging to former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan.

While Ozekhome is claiming to have been validly appointed to represent the firms, another lawyer, Luke Aghanenu, also claimed that he was briefed by the companies to represent them.

The companies are – Pluto Property and Investment Company Limited, Seagate Property Development and Investment Company Limited, Trans Ocean Property and Investment Company Limited and Avalon Global Property Development Limited.

The EFCC arraigned them with a former Special Adviser on Domestic Affairs to President Jonathan, Waripamo Dudafa, a lawyer Amajuoyi Briggs and a banker, Adedamola Bolodeoku.

Unlike the companies, Dudafa, Briggs and Bolodeoku pleaded not guilty to the 17-count charge.

Aghanenu filed a motion for change of counsel, praying the court to hold that he was validly appointed by the companies’ directors to represent them, not Ozekhome.

The motion was argued before Justice Babs Kuewumi.

While Ozekhome urged the court to dismiss the application for change of counsel, Oyedepo said he was not opposed to the motion.

There was a heated exchanged between Ozekhome and Oyedepo when the SAN accused EFCC of trying to determine which lawyer would represent the companies.

Ozekhome said EFCC being the prosecution should not be interested in who represented the companies.

He said: “Because we want to set aside the guilty plea of the companies, they arranged with the EFCC to change counsel. We’ll not allow that to happen. They’ll continue to contend with my face.

“It already show your interest, that you (EFCC) have an interest in who represents the defendants you’re prosecuting.”

But, Oyedepo described Ozekhome’s comments as prejudicial, saying they were unfair to him and EFCC.

“The allegation made by the learned SAN is totally unmeritorious. It is not in the interest of justice. It’s prejudicial to us. It’s unfortunate.

“This not the only case we are both involved in, so why would I not want to see his face? My prayer is that he should be busy, that people should contact and give him briefs,” he said.

Oyedepo said it was wrong for Ozekhome to “scandalise” him, but the SAN insisted that the EFCC had a preference for the lawyer who would represent the firms.”

February 14, 2018
Rural electrification fraud: Court convicts ex-Perm Sec, directors

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Gudu has convicted and fined a former Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Samuel Ibi Gekpe.

He and other directors of the agency were docked for disregarding the provisions of the Public Procurement Act by misappropriating N6billion.

The fund was mismanaged in the payment for rural electrification contracts which they purportedly awarded as the agency’s Public Procurement Committee in 2008.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned them for criminal breach of trust before Justice Adebukola Banjoko.

The other defendants are a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power, Dr. Abdullahi Aliyu, an accountant in the agency, Simon Kirdi Nanle, a director, Lawrence Orekoya, an assistant director, Abdulsamad Jahun and the agency’s former Head of Legal Department, Kayode Oyedeji.

The prosecution team, led by Mr. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), called seven witnesses from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, the agency’s officers and an EFCC operative, Ibrahim Ahmed.

The defendants, represented by Paul Ewekoro (SAN), made a no-case submission, which was dismissed.

In a February 8 verdict, Justice Banjoko dismissed the first defendant’s application challenging the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the charge.

The court found that the prosecution proved the ingredients of the offences of criminal breach of trust and conspiracy.

Justice Banjoko held that the defendants, who recklessly disregarded Public Procurement Act, misappropriated over N6billion in contract payments.

The judge found all the defendants guilty as charged.

She convicted and sentenced Gekpe to three years imprisonment with an option of N5million fine.

The judge also sentenced the other defendants to three years imprisonment but with an option of N500,000 fine each.

The fines are to be paid within 30 days from judgment day.

February 13, 2018
Ex-First Lady to EFCC: let’s settle out-of-court

Perhaps overwhelmed by the EFCC probe and its likely consequences, the ex-First Lady has applied for an out-of-court settlement with the EFCC.

In “a major breakthrough by EFCC with international collaboration” detectives found that about $7,452,319.32 suspicious funds were deposited in the ex-First Lady’s account with number 2110001712 between 8th February 2013 and 7th April 2015.

The account was opened on September 12, 2013 by a former Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan Hon. Dudafa Waripamo Owei depositing $1,948,400.00.

About 23 other individuals, including the ex-First Lady allegedly deposited cash into the account as follows: Festus Iyoha ($287,100.000); Ocheche Emmanuel ($150,000); Philemon Buoro ($150,000); Festus Isidahomen ($100,000); Felicia Apatake ($148,900); Patricia Okogun ($ 99,700); Buoro Ojo ($400,000); Stella Wasiu ($250,000); Amaka Adebayo ($250,000); Segun Moses ($249,400); Jimoh Peter ($246,700); Ahmed Musa ($196,400); Ibrahim Musa($198,300); Dame P. Jonathan ($100,000); Ayemere Sunday ($ 250,000); Eneji A.P ($300,000); Johnson Ojo ($300,000); Mary Buoro ($400,000); Jude Bosede ($500,000); Festus Iyoha ($400,000); Jimoh Moses ($400,000) and Ahmed Musa ($100,000).

“The balance in this account as at 9th September 2016 was about $5,831,173.55,” the EFCC said.

The second account was opened on February 22, 2013 at First Bank.

Cash deposits were made into the account between 26th February 2013 and 30th April, 2017 which altogether was $4,036,750.

Apart from the ex-First Lady who deposited $2,037,650 in nine tranches, other lodgments ranged from $98,900 to $400,000.

The former SA Domestic, Dudafa Waripamo Owei, led the pack of depositors on 27th February 2013 with a deposit of $400,000. Other depositors are: Germaine ($100,000); Dudafa ($400,000); Germani ($200,000); Ade Suleiman ($200,000); Mohammed Adamu ($300,000); Francis Muhd ($300,000); Kunle Peter ($200,000); Suleiman Ade ($299,900,00) and Jonathan Patience ($2,037,650).

“Detectives traced the transactions pattern placed the card holder in various countries to United States, Great Britain, Germany, Hong Kong, UAE and Italy.

The card was allegedly used in highbrow shops, such as Marks and Spencer, Kingsgate, Natwest Bank, Gina stores and Harrods.

“ The balance in this account as at 9th September 2016 was $3,691,145.48.”

A source in EFCC said: “We have gone far in our investigation of the ex-First Lady to prove that it is not a case of witch-hunt in any manner whatsoever. We are already trying to verify the names of the depositors if they really existed or they are fake.

“ Since we have uncovered all these suspicious deposits, we only need her to account in court on how she came about them. Our crack teams worked day and night to trace these funds.

“With international collaboration, there is no hiding place for Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) because some of these malls sometimes report suspicious transactions or spending. They marvelled at where top Nigerian political office holders and their spouses got the cash being lavished.”

The former First Lady, however, seems to be tired of litigation over her fortune. In a January 30, 2018 letter, titled “Proposal for out-of-Court Settlement of all cases related to Dame (Mrs.) Ibifaka Patience Jonathan,” she told the EFCC of her intention to settle the matter.

The letter, which was written by her counsel, Chief Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN), is being considered by the EFCC.

The letter said: “As senior counsel, representing Dame (Mrs.) Patience Jonathan (former First Lady) and companies linked to her and some family members, associates, companies and NGOs, we have thought it fit to engage your commission in a discussion over all issues involving her and the commission with a view to having amicable resolution of all cases as stated above.

“This will enable both sides create an atmosphere for mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence. We will therefore appreciate it, if you can give us an appointment at your earliest convenience to have a discussion over all matters involving her and members of her family.

“We believe that an amicable settlement will be in the best interest of both your commission and our client.

“We assure you of our utmost commitment and sincerity of purpose in this connection, and we solicit your cooperation in this regard. Please, accept the assurances of our warm regards.”

Another EFCC source said: “We have received a letter from the ex-First Lady, we are studying it on whether or not to accept the out-of-court settlement or allow justice to take its course.”

Read Also: How Jonathan’s wife blew $41,438 in one-day shopping

Apart from the cash, the ex-First Lady is linked to 12 choice properties and a plot of land on which a building is being built.

The investigative team had recommended that Section 7 of the EFCC Establishment Act 2004 be invoked on the properties after due verification.

The assets linked to Mrs. Jonathan in Port Harcourt are: Former Customs Service officers mess; two duplexes at 2/3 Bauchi Street; landed property with blocks at Ambowei Street; 3 Luxury apartments of 4-bedroom each at Ambowei Street; and Grand View Hotel along airport road.

In Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, are two marble duplexes at Otioko GRA by Isaac Boro Expressway; Glass House along Sani Abacha Expressway which is housing Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board; Akemfa Etie Plaza by AP filling Station, Melford Okilo Road; and Aridolf Resort, Wellness and Spa on Sani Abacha Expressway.

February 13, 2018
How Jonathan’s wife blew $41,438 in one-day shopping

Former First Lady Mrs Patience Jonathan is a shopping freak – going by facts and figures unveiled by detectives.

She blew thousands of dollars at highbrow stores. The cash came from $11,849,069.03, which the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said 31 individuals and companies paid into her two domiciliary accounts.

The accounts, which are Skye Bank (2110001712) and First Bank (2022648664) had “questionable deposits” between 2013 and 2017.

The Skye Bank account had about $7,452,319.32 lodged in it. Detectives found $4,036,750.00 in the second account with First Bank.

The ex-First Lady allegedly spent the cash at TFS stores, Selfridges, John Lewis, Kingsgate, Sainsbury’s, Harrods, Marks and Spencer, Dolce and Gabbana, and Gina.

She went on a shopping spree in expensive outlets in the United States, Britain, Germany, Hong Kong, UAE, Italy and China.

The highest shopping was at Goyard Beijing in Beijing CN on January 28, 2014 where Mrs. Jonathan shelled out $28,388.72.

On the same day at Hulian Xinguang Beijing CN, she blew $13, 069.68 on some luxury items.

Read Also: Patience Jonathan kicks as EFCC seeks forfeiture of $8.4m, N7.3b

There were transactions traced to Oakham School, Natwest Bank and $26, 228. 18 spent at Hotel Nassaeur HOF Wishbaden DE on November 20, 2015.

Perhaps overwhelmed by the EFCC probe and its likely consequences, the ex-First Lady has applied for an out-of-court settlement with the EFCC.

In “a major breakthrough by EFCC with international collaboration” detectives found that about $7,452,319.32 suspicious funds were deposited in the ex-First Lady’s account with number 2110001712 between 8th February 2013 and 7th April 2015.

February 13, 2018