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Tag: Jonathan’s cousin:

  • Court: Jonathan’s cousin has case to answer

    FORMER President Goodluck Jonathan’s cousin, Robert Azibaola, has been ordered to defend himself in a fraud allegation of $40 million levelled against him and his company, One Plus Holding Ltd, by the Federal Government.

    According to a Federal High Court, Abuja, Azibaola must defend himself on two out of the nine-count charge preferred against him by the government.

    He was to defend himself on the two counts bordering on being in possession of and converting the sum of $40 million received from the office of the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd) to personal use.

    Justice Nnamdi Dimgba made the order yesterday while ruling on the no-case-submission filed by Azibaola and his wife, Stella.

    The court, however, discharged and acquitted Stella of all the nine-count charge levelled against her.

    Dimgba, in discharging Stella, held that being wife to Azibaola was not enough to charge her with the offence since criminal liability was personal and not vicarious.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the prosecuting agency in the matter, in 2016 preferred a seven-count charge against Azibaola, his wife, Stella and their company.

    EFCC said they received $40 million worth of contract from Dasuki.

    They were subsequently arraigned on June 7, 2016 and were admitted to bail for N500 million each.

    They were re-arraigned on April 27, 2017, this time on a nine-count amended charge.

    In the cause of the trial, the prosecution called 10 witnesses and tendered 27 documented evidences against the three parties and closed its case.

    Mr. Chris Uche (SAN), counsel to Azibaola and his wife, however, filed a no-case-submission.

    Uche insisted that the government had failed to establish a prima-facie case that would warrant his clients to enter a defence and prayed the court to discharge and acquit his clients.

    Delivering the court’s ruling on the no-case-submission, the judge held that two of the defendants had some explanations to do with regards to counts two and three.

    “It was claimed that the $40 million released from the office of the former NSA to Azibaola and One Plus Holding Ltd was meant for the procurement of tactical communication kits.

    “Counts two and three are basically the same, the difference is that count two borders on possession of the sum of $40 million while count three was hinged on conversion of the said amount.

    “Having reviewed the oral and documentary evidence tendered by the prosecution through its witnesses, this court holds the view that there is good reason for Azibaola and the company to proceed with their defence,” the court ruled

    The court noted that there was no evidence to show that the said tactical communication kits were supplied.

    “In the absence of any evidence to show supply of the tactical communication kits, the 1st (Azibaola) and 3rd (One Plus Holding) defendants are in a position to explain what the fund was used for.

    “On the whole, there is sufficient prima-facie case made out by the prosecution against the 1st and 3rd defendants.

    “The no-case-submission in respect of these two counts is refused,” the court held.

    The court absolved Azibaola and his company of any wrongdoing in counts one, four, five, six, seven, eight and nine.

    The judge adjourned the matter until June 4 for Azibaola to open his defence.

     

  • Court seizes N6b, $222,000 N2bn shares, 12 houses from Jonathan’s cousin, ex-aides

    Court seizes N6b, $222,000 N2bn shares, 12 houses from Jonathan’s cousin, ex-aides

    Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered interim forfeiture to the Federal Government of the sums of N6,584,785,000; $222,000 and Aso Savings Limited shares valued at N2,028,800,000 allegedly derived fraudulently from  proceeds of the sale of Power Holdings Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

    Justice Dimgba also ordered an interim forfeiture of 12 houses and some plots of land located in Lagos, Ibadan and Abuja allegedly bought with part of the loot.

    The judge gave the orders while ruling on an ex-parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The EFCC accused some former aides and a cousin to former President Goodluck Jonathan of diverting about  N27,188,232,208.20 proceeds of the PHCN Severance Insurance Premium.

    The judge heard and granted the motion in chambers yesterday after it was moved by EFCC’s lawyer Ben Ikani.

    Justice Dimgba also directed  the EFCC to publish the orders in any national daily within 14 days, following which any interested persons or organisations interested in the assets would be entitled to challenge the court orders.

    He adjourned further hearing in the case to February 6.

    In the ex parte mtotion, EFCC named top government officials involved in the said  scam to include then Chief of Staff to the then President Goodluck Jonathan, Brig.-Gen. Jones Arogbofa,  then Accountant-General of the Federation Mr. Jonah Otunla, and the then Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power, Dr. Godknows Igali.

    Others also named in the scam were a cousin to Jonathan, Robert Azibaola; a  former Director-General of Bureau for Public Enterprises, Mr. Benjamin Dikki; and a former Minister of State for Power, Mohammed Wakil.

    It alleged that Arogbofa got N150m through proxies; Dikki, N1 billion; the ex-Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Igali N475 million; Otunla N3.6 billion; Jonathan’s cousin, Azibaola N2.5bn and Wakil, N118m.

    The EFCC also alleged that, of the N27,188,232,208 allegedly misappropriated by government officials, N6,584,785, $222,000, and N2,028,800,000 worth of shares of Aso Savings Ltd had been recovered from the suspects.

    The seized properties include two units of 4-bedroom detached duplex (Houses 12 & 14) at Alexander Miller Estate, Lekki-Lagos; one unit 4-bedroom semi-detached terrace duplex (block C11, Unit 7) at Lekki Garden Estate Paradise 3, Lekki, Lagos; one unit of 4-bedroom semi -detached(House 4b) at Olive Court, Agodi, GRA, Ibadan, Oyo State; and two units of 3-bedroom flat with 1-room boys quarters at 6a & b, Ogedengbe Street, Apapa, Lagos.

  • Jonathan’s cousin challenges EFCC powers to remand suspects

    Jonathan’s cousin challenges EFCC powers to remand suspects

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan’s cousin, Azibaola Robert, has asked the Federal High Court in Lagos to declare that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has no power to remand suspects under sections 293 and 294 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.

    Robert, a lawyer and environmental activist, filed the suit following his arrest and detention by the commission last April.

    He has since been arraigned and granted bail by a Federal High Court in Abuja.

    Robert was accused of receiving $40 million in September 2014 by former National Security Adviser Col Sambo Dasuki (rtd) for supplying “tactical communication kits”.

    The commission said he received another N650 million from Dasuki on December 8, 2014.

    Robert had sued the EFCC, Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Government over his detention.

    His lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, who filed the suit in Lagos, yesterday said he was ready to move his client’s originating summons.

    Justice Mojosola Olatoregun, however, asked him to return on another date for the hearing.

    The plaintiff is praying the court to hold that sections 293 and 294 of the ACJA 2015, which the EFCC relied on to secure remand orders from Magistrate’s Courts, were inapplicable in his case.

    He said the sections were for capital offences such as murder, armed robbery, kidnapping or treasonable felony for which a legal advice from the Attorney-General is required before a charge is filed.

    Robert said the sections do not apply to financial crimes.

    Robert is also praying the court to hold that EFCC’s alleged attempt to force him to implicate Jonathan was contrary to Section 7 of the ACJA, which he said has outlawed the practice of arresting a citizen in lieu of another.

    The applicant said the Federal Government engaged him to meet with stakeholders in the Niger Delta to explore how to prevent oil pipelines vandalism, oil bunkering and crude oil theft, among others.

    According to him, the assignment was duly executed upon payment, adding that under Section 8 of the ACJA, he should not be arrested or prosecuted for a civil contract or transaction.

    Robert said he is being persecuted on account of his blood relationship with Jonathan.

    EFCC denied detaining Robert illegally, adding that the claim that it was trying to force him to implicate the former President was untrue.

    The commission said Section 264 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State 2011 empowers it to detain suspects based on remand warrants issued by Magistrate’s Courts.

    Justice Mojisola Olatoregun adjourned till July 5 for hearing.

  • ’How Jonathan’s cousin’s firm got $40m from NSA’

    ’How Jonathan’s cousin’s firm got $40m from NSA’

    The prosecution opened its case yesterday in the trial of a cousin to former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, for money laundering.

    Robert Azibaola and his wife, Stella, are standing trial for money laundering, criminal breach of trust and corruption.

    The first witness, Ibrahim Mahe, gave details of how he allegedly transferred $40million to ‘One Plus Holdings Nigeria Limited’, a company allegedly owned by Azibaola.

    Mahe, a retired Permanent Secretary, Special Services in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), said he did not know the defendants, but got to know the third defendant, One Plus Company, through a transaction.

    On how he knew the company, Mahe explained: “On August 20, 2014, the National Security Adviser (NSA), endorsed a memo to me, which originated from the Office of the Director of Finance and Administration of the Office National Security Adviser (ONSA), detailing the bank details of one company called ‘One Plus’ and the purpose for which the company was to be paid a sum of $40million.

    “The NSA instructed me to prepare payment and I prepared the payment mandate for the $40million in favour of ‘One Plus’ for the signature of the NSA. I sent it to the NSA, he signed and sent it back to me and subsequent action was for me to counter-sign the mandate and then send it to the Central Bank of Nigeria for Payment”, the witness said.

    On how he got involved in the transaction, the witness said his responsibilities as the Permanent Secretary in the Special Services Office included liaising  with the office of the NSA on matters relating to finances of the entire “intelligence community” which included the Department of State Service (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and ONSA.

    ”After formulating the budget, the Accountant General releases the funds of the ‘Intelligence Community’ through an account that is domiciled with the Special Security Office from where it is distributed to the various end users”, the witness said.

    He told the court that his office served as a warehouse for funds of the ‘Intelligence Community’ and explained how funds were utilised.

    “When funds get into the account, the NSA is informed of the arrival of the funds and proposal on the distribution to the various agencies is made to him. When he approves, the monies are sent to the end users”, he said.

    Justice Nnamdi Dimgba adjourned the matter to July 4 for continuation of trial.

  • $40m ‘fraud’: Jonathan’s cousin, wife get N1b bail

    $40m ‘fraud’: Jonathan’s cousin, wife get N1b bail

    Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court, Abuja yesterday granted bail to former President Goodluck Jonathan’s cousin, Roberts Azibaola and his wife, Stella at N500 million and a surety each.

    The couple and their company, One Plus Holding Limited, were arraigned  on a seven-count charge bordering on money laundering, criminal breach of trust and corruption by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The couple allegedly diverted $40million purportedly meant for the supply of “tactical communication kits for Special Forces”.

    The money was allegedly transferred from the account of the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to the domiciliary account of their company, One Plus Holdings.

    The offence is said to be in contravention of Section 8(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended in 2012 and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.

    Ruling on the couple’s bail application yesterday, Justice Dimgba noted that the intention of Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015 was for courts to grant bail without attaching  excessive conditions.

    “All things considered, I grant the defendants bail on the following terms:

    *The defendants are admitted to bail in the sum of N500 million each.

    • Two sureties in like sum which shall in turn enter a bail bond of the sum of N500 million.
    • The sureties must each be owners of property in Asokoro or Maitama District of Abuja.”

    He held that the sureties must show evidence of payment of their income tax.

    The judge ordered the defendants to be remanded in prison custody pending the fulfilment of their bail conditions.

    Justice Dimgba granted accelerated hearing of the case and adjourned till  June 28 for the commencement of trial.

  • Alleged $40m fraud: Court remands Jonathan’s cousin, wife

    Alleged $40m fraud: Court remands Jonathan’s cousin, wife

    Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court, Abuja has remanded Robert Azibaola, a cousin to former President Goodluck Jonathan, in Kuje prison, Abuja.

    The judge gave the order yesterday shortly after Azibaola, his wife, Stella and their firm, One Plus Holdings Nigeria Limited were arraigned on a seven-count charge of money laundering.

    They were accused of, among others,  unlawfully receiving about $40million from the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki.

    The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to them by an official of the court.

    The couple stood quietly in the dock while the female court official read the charge to them. At a point, the judge instructed that chairs be provided for them to sit. They later sat close to each other for the other part of the proceedings that lasted about  three hours.

    The judge took arguments from parties on the bail applications filed for Azibaola and his wife and adjourned to today for ruling, but ordered that pending the ruling, the husband be remanded in prison, while he allowed the wife to remain on the administrative bail earlier granted her by the complainant, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    While moving the applications for bail, defence lawyers, Chris Uche and Goddy Uche (both Senior Advocates of Nigeria) argued that the offences with which their clients were charged were “ordinarily bailable.”

    They told the court that both husband and wife were sick and needed time to be allowed to attend to their health conditions.

    Lawyer to the husband, Chris said his client had been unlawfully held in the custody of the complainant since March 23 this year.

    He said Azibaola’s constitutionally guaranteed right to personal liberty has been violated by the complainant, who allegedly held the him in unlawful custody.

    He urged the court to grant him bail on liberal term to enable him attend court for trial.

    Lawyer to the wife, Goddy, noted that his client had remained faithful to the terms of the administrative bail granted her, before yesterday, by the EFCC.

    He said Mrs. Azibaola was not only a mother of young children, who require care, she was also indisposed and needed to attend to her health.

    Prosecution lawyer, Aliyu Yussuf objected to the defendants’ bail application and urged the court to refuse them.

    He noted that the offences with which the defendants were charged were serious, and attract between seven to 14 years jail term on conviction.

    Justice Dimgba adjourned to today for ruling after listening to arguments by lawyers to parties.

    The counts of the charge are as follows:

    • That you Azibaola Robert being the Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer and a signatory to the Zenith Bank account of One Plus Holdings Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Stella Azibaola Robert, being a director and a signatory to the account of One Plus Holdings Nigeria Limited and Amobi Ogum( now at large) on or about 8th September, 2014 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire among yourselves to commit an illegal act to wit: money laundering of the sum of $40million transferred to the domiciliary account of One Plus Holdings Nigeria Limited with Zenith Bank, Account No. 5070365750 from the account of ONSA with the Central Bank of Nigeria upon a mandate Ref. No. 128/S.5LX/139 purporting to be for the supply of Tactical Communication Kits for Special Services and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8(a) of the Money Laundering( Prohibition) Act 2011 as amended in 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.
    • That you, Azibaola Robert, Mrs. Stella Azibaola Robert directly took control of $39.999,958 only out of the total sum of $40million transferred to the domiciliary account of One Plus Holdings Nigeria Limited with Zenith Bank, Account No. 5070365750 from the account of ONSA with the Central Bank of Nigeria upon a mandate Ref. No. 128/S.5LX/139 when you reasonably ought to have known that the said fund formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity of Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki(rtd), the then National Security Adviser( To wit: criminal breach of trust and corruption) and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2) (d) of the Money Laundering( Prohibition) Act 2011 as amended in 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.
    • That you Azibaola Robert and Mrs. Stella Azibaola Robert on or about 8th September 2014 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this court directly converted $39.999,958 only out of the total sum of $40million transferred to the domiciliary account of One Plus Holdings Nigeria Limited when you reasonably ought to have known that the said fund formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity of Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki(rtd), the then National Security Adviser( To wit: criminal breach of trust and corruption) and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2) (b) of the Money Laundering( Prohibition) Act 2011 as amended in 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.
    • That you Azibaola Robert and Mrs. Stella Azibaola Robert did directly transfer $6,600,000 only being part of the $39.999,958 only out of the total sum of $40million to the bank account of Karahyna Nigeria Limited, a Bureau De Change company for Naira exchange, which you reasonably ought to have known that the said fund formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity of Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki(rtd), the then National Security Adviser( To wit: criminal breach of trust and corruption) and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2) (b) of the Money Laundering( Prohibition) Act 2011 as amended in 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) and (4) of the same Act.
    • That you Azibaola Robert and Mrs. Stella Azibaola Robert did directly transfer the aggregate sum of $1million only being part of the $39.999,958 only out of the total sum of $40million to the bank account of Reya Telecommunications Nigeria Limited, a sister company to One Plud Holdings Nigeria Limited, which you reasonably ought to have known that the said fund formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity of Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki(rtd), the then National Security Adviser( To wit: criminal breach of trust and corruption) and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2) (b) of the Money Laundering( Prohibition) Act 2011 as amended in 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) and (4) of the same Act.
    • hat you Azibaola Robert and Mrs. Stella Azibaola Robert did directly transfer the aggregate sum of $1,493,000 only being part of the sum of $39.999,958 only out of the total sum of $40million to the bank account of Kakatar EL Limited, a sister to One Plus Holdings Nigeria Limited which you reasonably ought to have known that the said fund formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity of Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki(rtd), the then National Security Adviser ( To wit: criminal breach of trust and corruption) and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2) (b) of the Money Laundering( Prohibition) Act 2011 as amended in 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) and (4) of the same Act.
    • That you Azibaola Robert , being the Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer of One Plus Holdings Nigeria Limited on or about 27th May, 2015 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this court having reason to know that the sum of N650million only directly represented the proceeds of an unlawful activity of Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki(rtd), the then National Security Adviser( To wit: criminal breach of trust and corruption) in respect of the said amount used the said fund for the purchase of Plot 2245, situate at Maitama Cadastral Zone No. A06 Measuring about 2,482, 28sqm with File No. KN 10182, Abuja from one Nu’uman Barau Danbatta represented by Tunji Adeniyi and Co.( Estate Surveyors and Valuers) and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2) (d) of the Money Laundering( Prohibition) Act 2011 as amended in 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) and (4) of the same Act.”

     

  • EFCC uncovers how $40m was transferred to Jonathan’s cousin’s account

    EFCC uncovers how $40m was transferred to Jonathan’s cousin’s account

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has traced the source of the $40million paid to Roberts Azibaola, who is former President Goodluck Jonathan’s cousin, to a bank in London.

    The cash was wired through Citibank N. A. Canada Square Canary in Wharf London E 145 LB into the account of One Plus Holdings Nigeria Limited of Azibaola.

    About $6million of the money was paid to a bureau de change in Abuja.

    Azibaola, who was yet to make any refund, has been relocated from Lagos to Abuja in preparation for his trial.

    Charges have been filed against the ex-President’s cousin at a Federal High Court in Abuja. No date has been fixed for his arraignment.

    According to a document obtained by our correspondent, the $40million came from the account of the Special Services Office of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

    “The Special Services Office has a joint account with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and some security agencies, which was managed by ONSA.

    “The $40million was wired into the account of Azibaola’s company through Citibank N. A. Canada Square Canary in Wharf London E 145 LB.

    “The money was transferred to One Plus Holdings Nigeria Limited with Robert Azibaola and Stella Azibaola as directors. All disbursements went to individuals and companies including two foreign firms and the wife of the ex-President’s cousin. About $5.5million has been allegedly transferred to Mrs. Azibaola.

    “The $40mmillion was in respect of a contract for the supply of Tactical Communication Kits for Special Forces. No records of contract executed.

    “We wrote to the Office of the SGF and the Permanent Secretary, Special Services Office (PSSO) said: “The SGF office is not in possession of any document or evidence of contract.

    “Even the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) said it had no records of the contract but it only made available payment advice to transfer the funds to the Azibaola’s account.

    A source close to the investigation said: “We have to release the outcome of investigations to show that the EFCC is not engaging in any witch-hunt against the cousin of the ex-President.

    “Although the contract was for the supply of Tactical Communication kits, when we interrogated the cousin of the ex-President, he said ‘they had a discussion with the ex-NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), to secure pipelines in the Niger Delta but there is no evidence to show for it.

    “If there was any contract, how come $6million was remitted into the account of a bureau de change? None of the suspects was able to explain the reason for this.

    Responding to a question, the source added: “Robert Azibaola has not refunded the $40million or a part of it. He has been relocated from Lagos to Abuja in readiness for his arraignment in court. He has behaved well in detention.

    The EFCC arrested Azibaola’s on March 23 – in line with the ongoing probe of 300 companies involved in phantom contracts by ONSA.

    But counsel to the suspect, Gordy Uche (SAN) in a statement in Abuja accused the Commission of embarking on a vendetta mission against former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    He said the Federal Government was still owing his client $4million, being balance of the contract sum for “successfully securing oil pipelines which saw Nigeria reap billions of US dollars from increased oil production”.

    He asked the commission to “either charge my clients to court or release them on bail”.

    Uche said: “My client (Roberts) is being persecuted and punished because of his DNA, as a relative of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

    “My client  is innocent until proven guilty, according to the laws of Nigeria. So, his continuous detention is a breach of his fundamental human rights as a free citizen of Nigeria. The appropriate thing for the EFCC to do in this circumstance is to release him now or charge him to court.”

     

  • Court grants bail to Jonathan’s cousin held over $40m pipeline contract

    Court grants bail to Jonathan’s cousin held over $40m pipeline contract

    Justice Olasumbo Goodluck of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) yesterday granted bail to detained Azibaola Robert, described as cousin to former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    The judge granted Robert bail while ruling on ex-parte application brought pursuant to fundamental rights (enforcement procedure) rules by Robert’s lawyer, Chris Uche (SAN).

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had on March 23 this year, arrested Robert over alleged diversion of $40 million through One-Plus Holdings, a sister company of Kakatar Construction and EngineeringCompany Limited.

    The EFCC said the money was meant for securing oil pipelines. The payment was said to have been made by former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd).

    Justice Goodluck said Robert’s detention by the EFCC for over two weeks was unconstitutional. The judge was of the view that the applicant disclosed sufficient

    evidence before the court to warrant the granting of his relief.

    Citing the provisions of Section 35( 5) of the Constitution, the judge held that the detention of the applicant for 15 days as at yesterday ( April 7) was far in excess of the

    constitutionally provided time for detaining a citizen without his arrest or arraignment in a law court.

    “This court has carefully examined Order 4 Rule 3 and 4 of the Fundamental Rights Fundamental Procedure Rules 2009, there it empowers the court to entertain an ex-parte application for the prevention of life or liberty of a Nigerian Citizen where exceptional hardship may be occasioned before the service of the motion on notice.

    “Applying the foregoing provisions as a litmus test to the facts and circumstances of this case, I am of the view and so hold that this ex-parte application is competent and contemplated by the laws of our land. The applicant by this application disclosed that he has been in detention since 23 March, 2016 in an underground cell.

    “This in this court’s view amounts to a deprivation of his movement and his freedom

    contrary to the time frame stipulated in the 1999 constitution. I am of the view that the applicant has disclosed exceptional reason why this application should be granted. “More importantly, order 4 rule 4 (1)  of the fundamental rights enforcement procedural rules of 2009 empowers this court to grant bail or order the release of the applicant forthwith from detention pending the determination of the motion on notice.

    “Similarly, lending credence to  the powers of this court to allow an interlocutory respite to the applicant is Section 168 of the ACJA 2015, which provides that “a judge of a High Court may direct that (a) bail conditions required by a magistrate court or police officer be reviewed be it a defendant in custody in a state of FCT be admitted to bail.

    “My summation from a community reading of the foregoing statutes, the court is empowered to grant bail or order the release of the applicant pending the determination of the motion on notice. In the light of the foregoing considerations, this court will be exercising its powers judiciously and judicially by allowing this application.

    “Accordingly, this application succeeds. The applicant is hereby admitted to bail pending his arraignment before a court of law or pending the determination of the substantive motion on notice in this suit,” Justice Goodluck said.

    The judge directed that the applicant’s bail shall be with two sureties, each of who shall be a serving or retired Director in any of the Federal Government ministries or parastatal and must be resident within the FCT.

    She also ordered the applicant to deposit his international passport with the court’s Chief Registrar.

  • I was fed gari and oil, says freed Jonathan’s cousin

    I was fed gari and oil, says freed Jonathan’s cousin

    Looking emaciated and speaking in a frail voice, Inengite Nitabai, the septuagenarian cousin of President Goodluck Jonathan, relived yesterday his 18-day ordeal in kidnappers’ den.

    Nitabai was rescued by police officers from the anti-kidnapping squad of the Bayelsa State Command, led by Chris Nwogwu.

    Dressed in grey Ijaw attire with shining black shoes to match, the President’s adopted father said his abductors blindfolded him, most of the time.

    Nitabai said the gunmen hit him with the butts of their guns and collected N400,000 from his wife before taking him away.

    “It was a horrible experience. Most of the time, they blindfolded me. I didn’t know where l was throughout the period. They threatened to kill me at some point,” he said.

    When asked what he was fed during the period, Nitabai, a retired lecturer at the Niger Delta University (NDU), said: “They always gave me gari mixed with oil.”

    Praising the police, especially Commissioner of Police Hilary Opara, Nitabai, who was also a former lecturer at the Rivers State University, said the police had shown they could tackle crime.

    He said the police lacked the capacity to curb criminality, adding that the effort of everyone was required.

    On whether his abductors carried out the act because of his relationship with Jonathan, he said: “That may be a factor. It was a bad experience and l don’t wish anybody to go through it.”

    Nitabai was abducted by 10 gunmen on February 23 from his home in Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area.

    He was taken away in his Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) by the bandits, who harassed his in-law and collected N400,000 from his wife.

    His car was recovered at the Onuebum waterside. Three days after the incident, the kidnappers contacted the family and demanded N500 million.

    Days after, the abductors were said to have stuck to their demand, despite appeals from the family to accept N30 million.

    The police arrested the 57-year-old father of the “leader” of the gang and five others at Odioma community in Brass Local Government Area.

    It was gathered that the gunmen abandoned their victim at Ogboma, off Odioma in Brass Local Government Area.

    Nitabai was found by the squad and brought to the headquarters in Yenagoa for “debriefing”.

    “The father of the kingpin was arrested and other persons who have direct link to the kidnappers apprehended. This arrest weakened the kidnappers, it was said.

    “Knowing that the police know their identities, the kidnappers had no choice but to abandon their victim,” a police source said.

    It was gathered that those arrested in connection with the incident facilitated Nitabai’s freedom.

    Opara said the police were professional in the way they carried out the operations.

    He said no ransom was paid to the kidnappers.

    The commissioner thanked the victim’s family for cooperating with the police.

    He said the family, especially the wife of the victim, was in touch with the police and heeded the advice not to pay any ransom.

    The police chief praised the inspector-general of Police and the assistant inspector-general (Zone 5) for not mounting pressure on the command.

    Opara said Governor Seriake Dickson provided funds for the trips embarked upon by the police.

    He said: “We applied professionalism in the way and manner we went about this case. No ransom was paid. We are going to arrest other persons involved in this crime.”

  • Police rescue Jonathan’s cousin

    Police rescue Jonathan’s cousin

    Police have rescued President Jonathan’s cousin, Chief Nengote Nitabai from his abductors.

    Bayelsa Commissioner of Police, Hilary Okpara confirmed that the patriarch has regained his freedom.

    A gun-wielding 10-man gang seized him on Sunday, February 23 when they sneaked into his hometown in Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.

    The kidnappers had rejected a N30m ransom offered by the family to secure the victim’s release describing the money as “too small.”

    Chief Nitabai said to be about 70 years old is a compound chief in Jonathan’s Ebele family.