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Tag: Jonathan’s wife

  • Obaseki’s achievements excite Obasanjo, Jonathan’s wife, others

    Obaseki’s achievements excite Obasanjo, Jonathan’s wife, others

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, ex-First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, former governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Tambuwal and ex-governors of Edo: Chiefs Lucky Igbiendion and John Odigie-Oyegun, among other prominent leaders, yesterday celebrated Governor Godwin Obaseki’s achievements in eight years.

    They hailed him for his commitment to the welfare of Edo residents, prioritising reforms and projects across sectors of the state’s economy, including health, education and infrastructure, among others, which had impacted and improved lives.

    The leaders spoke when Obaseki led them to the inauguration of the rebuilt and expanded 250-bed Stella Obasanjo Hospital on Sapele Road; the Crèche and Food Court at Edo State secretariat complex, among other projects, in Benin.

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    Obasanjo, hailing Obaseki for his multi-sectoral reforms over the last eight years, described the Edo governor as a builder, who impacted on the lives of the residents.

    He said: “I want to thank you for remembering my late wife, Stella Obasanjo. I was here before and coming here now, what I see is wonderful. You are not only a builder, but you are a reformer, who has positively impacted on the lives of the people.

    “I commend you for improving on some of the things your predecessor did, like this Stella Obasanjo Hospital.

    “When this hospital was established 17 years ago, it was to keep the memory of my late wife. By honouring her, you are also honouring me.”

    Describing Edo governor as a pacesetter, Chief Obasanjo advised political leaders to always focus on quality and efficient service delivery in whatever responsibility given to them at the local, state and national levels, with a focus on human capital development.

    Dame Jonathan said Obaseki had restored hope to Edo residents, while repositioning the state as a hub for quality and affordable health care services in the country.

    She said: “The rebuilt Stella Obasanjo Hospital is a testament to the power of a visionary leader, and a commitment to building a strong, healthy state and nation.

    “This hospital has become a shining example of what can be accomplished for the well-being of our people. We commend you for this great effort, and we can see the realisation of your dreams to deliver quality and accessible health care.

    “This is a testament of establishing Edo State as a regional hub, in terms of quality and affordable health care services, thereby bringing hope to Edo people.”

  • ‘What ex-EFCC chair told Jonathan’s wife on money laundering’

    ‘What ex-EFCC chair told Jonathan’s wife on money laundering’

    A FORMER Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman Ibrahim Lamorde only drew former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan’s attention to the money laundering law, which forbids travelling with cash in excess of $10,000, The Nation learnt yesterday.

    A source, who pleaded for anonymity, said the explanation was necessary following news report on a statement on oath by former Special Assistant to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Waripamo-Owei Dudafa.

    Dudafa was quoted on February 27, 2018 as saying in a statement on oath he filed before Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court in Lagos that Lamorde advised Mrs. Jonathan, where to keep her money.

    It was in respect of a suit by Mrs. Jonathan seeking to unfreeze her accounts with $15.5 million.

    But the source told The Nation yesterday that the former anti-graft chief advised that “credit/debit cards should be used for payments to avoid the national embarrassment of a first lady being caught with cash at any airport.

    “That would, of course, imply opening a domiciliary account with a bank so as to get issued with cards.”

    The source said: “Any law enforcement agent would be expected to give that sort of advice, especially to a highly placed personality such as the President’s wife.

    “The background to all this was the heightened surveillance in the western airports against money laundering, especially by politically exposed persons from Nigeria. There were a lot of stories flying round about money laundering outside the country.”

    The source said the BVN was already in place at the time, which enhanced the transparency of financial  movements.

    “In fact, in retrospect Lamorde’s advice that the former first lady use cards instead of cash has made the job of the EFCC investigators easier.

    “Rather than accuse him of complicity, Lamorde should be commended for doing the proper thing as EFCC Chairman in his advice that cards should be used by Mrs. Jonathan for her transactions,” the source explained.

    Dudafa was quoted in media reports to have said the millions of dollars and other currencies belonging to Mrs. Jonathan were cash gifts, inheritance and funds she holds in trust for others.

    He told the court that during the burial of Mrs. Jonathan’s mother, Charity Oba, “several individuals, corporate bodies, well-wishers across the country brought so much gifts to the plaintiff both in cash and materials that are quite substantial”.

    He said in a bid to safeguard the funds, Mrs. Jonathan sought Lamorde’s advice on the best way to save the monies without violating the Money Laundering Act.

     

  • Dudafa: Ex-EFCC chair advised Jonathan’s wife on funds

    Dudafa: Ex-EFCC chair advised Jonathan’s wife on funds

    A former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairman Ibrahim Lamorde advised former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan on where to save her money, according to former Special Assistant to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr Waripamo-Owei Dudafa.

    Dudafa stated this in a statement on oath he filed before Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court in Lagos in a suit by Mrs Jonathan seeking to unfreeze her accounts with $15.5million.

    Dudafa said the multi-million dollars and other currencies belonging to Mrs Jonathan were cash gifts, inheritance and funds she holds in trust for others.

    The former aide said his duties as Special Assistant on Domestic Matters to the former President meant he was in charge of household affairs, social events involving the First Family, as well as “meeting the domestic needs of the former president and his wife”.

    By virtue of his position, he said he had daily interactions with Mrs Jonathan.

    “It was during one of those interactions with the plaintiff that she informed me of the funds belonging to her, which said funds consisted of her personal inheritance and monies which she held in trust for her siblings, as well as gifts from friends and well-wishers over the years,” Dudafa said.

    According to the deponent, on several occasions, visitors to the State House brought cash gifts to Mrs Jonathan, and that such gifts were “a continuous and regular feature at the State House during the period I served”.

    He said the gifts were brought during social events and holidays such as wedding anniversaries, birthdays, Christmas, Salah and Easter celebrations; launching of non-governmental organisations, among others.

    “Several dignitaries from all over the country used to visit the State House and make cash donations and gifts to the then first Lady,” he said.

    Dudafa told the court that during the burial of Mrs Jonathan’s mother, Charity Oba, “several individuals, corporate bodies, well-wishers across the country brought so much gifts to the Plaintiff both in cash and materials that are quite substantial.”

    He said in a bid to safeguard the funds, Mrs Jonathan sought Lamorde’s advice on the best way to save the monies without violating the Money Laundering Act.

    “Consequently, I was then invited to a meeting between myself, the then chairman of the EFCC Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde and the plaintiff at the Presidential villa, where Mr Lamorde advised and recommended that personal and corporate accounts be opened for the purpose of safeguarding the plaintiff’s money to enable her foot her medical bills and other sundry personal needs whenever she travels abroad.

    “Sequel to the advice given to the plaintiff by Ibrahim Lamorde, the plaintiff instructed me to coordinate the opening of the accounts for herself and her family members.

    “In carrying out the said plaintiff’s instructions, I contacted one Sompre Omeibi, a reputable business man from the private sector to assist in safe guarding the funds.

    “Sequel to the directives of Sompre Omiebi, the officials of Skye Bank brought to the plaintiff in my presence five Automated Teller Machine cards (ATM) for her use.

    “I got in touch with Sompre Omeibi and the bank and requested that the names on the mandates should be changed to make the Plaintiff the sole signatory.

    “Consequently, Mr. Oladipo Oshodi, an official of the bank, got in touch with the plaintiff, pleaded with her to use the cards whilst he would make necessary arrangements to effect the changes as soon as possible.

    “I know as a fact that the bank and Dipo Oshodi are fully aware that the sums of money in the said accounts belong solely to the plaintiff.

    “I know as a fact that the plaintiff is the owner of the funds contained in the bank accounts of the third, fourth and fifth defendants (companies), notwithstanding the facts that the accounts bear their names,” Dudafa said.

    Four companies – Pluto Property and Investment Company Ltd, Seagate Property Development And Investment Co. Ltd, Trans Ocean Property and Investment Co. Ltd and Avalon Global Property Development Ltd – through their representatives, had on September 15, 2016 pleaded guilty to laundering the $15.591million when they were arraigned before Justice Babs Kuewumi of the same court.

    EFCC is contending that the money is “proceed of crime” and should be forfeited to the Federal Government.

    The commission, in its defence to Mrs Jonathan suit, said the former First Lady could not have genuinely earned the $15.5million as “she does not run any business from which she could have earned such huge sums”.

    EFCC said its investigations show that the money was allegedly stolen from the Federal Government and its agencies, and that it does not belong to the former First Lady.

    “There is no way the plaintiff (Mrs Jonathan) could have genuinely earned the monies. She is the wife of the former president, a civil servant and a retired Permanent Secretary in Bayelsa State. She does not run any profit and interest yielding business venture to generate such money.

    “Investigation conducted by the first defendant (EFCC) revealed that the plaintiff is not the owner of the funds in the accounts of the third to fifth defendants (companies), which funds were discovered to be proceeds of fraudulent activities of Dudafa,” EFCC said.

    Justice Idris adjourned until March 26 for continuation of hearing.

  • How 31 suspects put $11.4m in Jonathan’s wife’s account

    How 31 suspects put $11.4m in Jonathan’s wife’s account

    ‘$41,438 blown in one-day shopping’

    Ex-First Lady to EFCC: let’s settle

    THE DEPOSITORS

    • Festus Iyoha
    • Ocheche Emmanuel
    • Philemon Buoro
    • Festus Isidahomen
    • Felicia Apatake
    • Patricia Okogun
    • Buoro Ojo
    • Stella Wasiu
    • Amaka Adebayo
    • Segun Moses
    • Jimoh Peter
    • Ahmed Musa
    • Ibrahim Musa
    • Dame P. Jonathan
    • Ayemere Sunday
    • Eneji A.P
    • Johnson Ojo
    • Mary Buoro
    • Jude  Bosede
    • Festus Iyoha
    • Jimoh Moses
    • Ahmed Musa
    • Germaine
    • Dudafa
    • Germani
    • Ade Suleiman
    • Mohammed Adamu
    • Francis Muhd
    • Kunle Peter
    • Suleiman Ade
    • Jonathan Patience

    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.

    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.

    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.”

    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.

  • Court strikes out Jonathan’s wife’s N2b suit

    Court strikes out Jonathan’s wife’s N2b suit

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out a N2billion rights enforcement suit filed by former First Lady Patience Jonathan against the Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC).

    Mrs Jonathan alleged that the freezing of accounts belonging to her and some of her relations, following interim forfeiture orders got by the EFCC, and the alleged raiding and searching of her properties, violated her fundamental rights.

    She sought, among others, a restraining order against the EFCC and N2billion damages should the court find that her rights were violated.

    In a judgment yesterday, Justice John Tsoho held that although the case was not an abuse of court process, as argued by the EFCC, Mrs. Jonathan was not entitled to all the reliefs she sought because she failed to prove her case.

    Justice Tsoho resolved two of the three issues identified for resolution against her. The first issue was whether the suit was not an abuse of court process, with the judge holding that it was not.

    On the second issue, which relates to whether the various acts of the respondent (EFCC) against the applicant referred to in the affidavit in support of the application violated any fundamental rights of the applicant, the court said the acts alleged did not violate her rights

    On the third issue, which was whether the applicant was entitled to the reliefs sought in the application, Justice Tsoho said Mrs. Jonathan was not entitled to any of the reliefs sought because she failed to prove her case.

    Justice Tsoho faulted Mrs. Jonathan’s claim that the alleged indiscriminate freezing of her accounts and those of her relations, on allegation of money laundering without any invitation and interrogation amounted to a violation of her fundamental right to own property and fair hearing.

    The judge noted that although the applicant fervently denied her involvement in criminal activities, it was her words against that of the respondent. He added that, on that score, it could be said that the steps taken by the respondent are based on reasonable suspicion of the applicant having committed a criminal offence.

    Justice Tsoho relied on the decision of the Court of Appeal in the case of Dangaba vs. Federal Republic of Nigeria 2012 LPELR 19172, particularly pages 23 to 24, to hold that the ex-parte order obtained by the EFCC to attach her assets, which are under investigation, did not violate her rights to fair hearing and to own property.

    The judge added that the powers of the court under sections 28 and 29 of the EFCC Act to grant such ex-parte orders, “convers special jurisdiction and is a statutory power which is superior to the rules of court, and the order granted under such power operates until the determination of the civil rights and obligations of the parties with regards to the properties under consideration.

    “I am therefore guided by Dangaba case (supra) to hold that the applicant’s rights to own properties and fair hearing have not been violated by the acts of the respondent.”

    The judge said she also failed to establish her claim that the EFCC invaded, raided and unlawfully conducted searches on her properties having not provided evidence to counter EFCC’s denial of being involved in the activities alleged.

    On her allegation of the violation of her fundamental right against discrimination her political views expressed during the 2015   general elections there is no verifiable evidence before this court to prove that point, and it stands defeated.

    The judge said in the absence of any verifiable evidence before the court to prove the point that she was being victimised and discriminated against because of her political view, the point stood defeated.

    The judge said: “Having held that the applicant’s case is not made out, I further hold that the applicant is not entitled to any of the reliefs sought in this application. The applicant’s suit is accordingly struck out.”

  • Ex-militants: stop harassing Jonathan’s wife

    Ex-militants: stop harassing Jonathan’s wife

    A group, Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum, yesterday urged the Federal Government to stop harassing the ex-President’s wife, Patience Jonathan.

    It said it would not tolerate attempt by the Federal Government to embarrass her.

    In a statement in Port Harcourt by coordinators of the group in the nine states of Niger Delta, the leader, Prince A. Hornby, described the demolition of a building owned by Jonathan’s wife as a ridicule to the image of  the former President.

    He said the attack on Jonathan’s wife could cause tension in the region.

    Hornby said: Why should Dame Jonathan be the target of harassment and public ridicule? Her non-government organisation’s (NGO’s) office complex was demolished without following due process. This is capable of causing tension in Niger Delta.

    “We, the Niger Delta ex-agitators, are saying this harassment on Dame Jonathan should stop. She should not be further embarrassed.

    “We shall no longer tolerate this vindictive fight against our daughter and mother and her family. We urge President Muhammadu Buhari to call the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, to order.

    ‘’Patience Jonathan should enjoy the level of privacy enjoyed by other past leaders’ wives.”

    He said the ex-militants would react in a manner that might not be in the interest of the nation, if the Federal Government did not stop the harassment.

  • EFCC seeks to seize $8.4m, N7.35b ‘from Jonathan’s wife’

    EFCC seeks to seize $8.4m, N7.35b ‘from Jonathan’s wife’

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked the Federal High Court in Lagos to order the temporary forfeiture of $8,435,788.84 and N7.35bn suspected to be owned by Mrs. Patience Jonathan.

    The EFCC yesterday told Justice Mojisola Olatoregun that the funds, which it believes came from Bayelsa State, were found in 15 bank accounts linked with the wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    The anti-graft agency’s counsel, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, said the order would prevent Mrs Jonathan from dissipating them.

    According to the EFCC, the funds were moved from Bayelsa State’s coffers at a time when the former First Lady served as a permanent secretary.

    The agency alleged that Mrs. Jonathan gained access to the funds by fraudulently assuming the identity of one Esther Oba as the signatory to the said account.

    The EFCC’s claims were contained in an ex parte application presented by Oyedepo before Justice Olatoregun.

    The proceedings were, however, interrupted by a train of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) led by Mr. Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN) and Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), who challenged the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the ex parte application.

    The SANs told the judge that the funds, which the EFCC seeks to seize, were already subject of litigation.

    But Oyedepo maintained that the SANs had no right of hearing in the court, since his application was ex parte.

    Wondering how they got wind of the move by the anti-graft agency, he urged the judge to disregard their appearance.

    The judge upheld Oyedepo’s submission, following which the SANs left the courtroom.

    In view of the development, the judge adjourned till January 23, 2018 and directed the EFCC to file an affidavit to convince the court that there were no pending lawsuits relating to the funds sought to be forfeited.

    In the said ex parte application, the EFCC listed Patience Jonathan and five firms and Esther Oba as respondents.

    The firms that were listed as second to sixth defendants were Globus Integrated Services Ltd., Finchley Top Homes Ltd., Am-Pm Global Network Ltd., Pagmat Oil And Gas Ltd. and Magel Resort Ltd.

    The ex parte application was backed by a 15-paragraph affidavit deposed to by an investigator with the EFCC, Huleji Tukura.

    Tukura claimed that investigation by the anti-graft agency revealed that the funds found in the bank accounts linked to Patience emanated from the coffers of Bayelsa State and that the funds were moved at a time when the former First Lady served as a permanent secretary in one of the ministries in Bayelsa State.

    According to Tukura, Patience first opened a First Bank account and then “procured” the then Senior Special Assistant to former President Goodluck Jonathan on Domestic Affairs, Waripamo-Owei Dudafa, to fund the account with “proceeds of unlawful activities.”

    Tukura averred, “That the said Dudafa Warripamo-Owei procured one Festus Isidohomen Iyoha and Arivi Eneji Peter, who were domestic staff attached to the State House, Abuja, to deposit the funds, reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities, in the account of the 1st respondent (Patience).

    “That in depositing the funds into the account of the 1st respondent, the said domestic staff, in a bid to conceal their identity, deposited the funds, reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful act, into the 1st respondent’s account, using fictitious names.

    “That the total sum of $4,036,750.00 (Four million, thirty-six thousand, seven hundred and fifty United States’ dollars) reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities, were deposited into account No. 2022648664 domiciled in First Bank Plc in the name of the 1st respondent.

    “That on the 28th day of September, 2016, the 1st respondent, in dissipating the property sought to be forfeited, transferred the sum of $3,640,794.72 to the 1st respondent’s account No. 2031277178 domiciled in First Bank Plc.

    “That on the 5th day of October, 2016, the 1st respondent withdrew the sum of $1,000,000.00 cash from the said account leaving the balance of the sum of $3,645,013.73 which sum we are urging this honourable court to forfeit in the interim to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    “That as at the time the various sums were deposited in into exhibit EFCC01, the 1st respondent was a serving permanent secretary in the employment of the Bayelsa State Government.

    “That the funds sought to be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria are not the 1st respondent’s lawful earnings but are rather reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.”

    The investigator further explained that the firms mentioned in the application were not into “any legitimate income-yielding business venture” but were rather incorporated at the Corporate Affairs Commission for the purpose of warehousing proceeds of unlawful activities for the former First Lady.

    He claimed that every now and then domestic servants at the Presidential Villa were sent to deposit money into the company’s accounts for Patience.

    “The depositors into this account are domestic staff of State House, Abuja, who were procured by the said Dudafa Waripamo-Owei to deposit the funds sought to be forfeited in a bid to conceal the true origin of the funds,” Tukura said.

    Making specific reference to Globus Integrated Services Ltd., Tukura said, “None of the Directors of the 3rd Respondent are signatories to the said account.

     

     

     

  • Judge lifts freezing order on 16 accounts linked to Jonathan’s wife

    Judge lifts freezing order on 16 accounts linked to Jonathan’s wife

    Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has lifted an order made on May 30, freezing 16 bank accounts linked to  former President Goodluck Jonathan’s wife, Patience.

    Justice Nyako, in a ruling yesterday ordered the lifting of the order that barred Mrs. Jonathan and 10 organisations linked to her from accessing the accounts containing aggregate sums of $5.8million and N3.5billion.

    Yesterday’s ruling was on an application that Mrs. Jonathan and the 10 companies filed to challenge an ex-parte interim freezing order earlier obtained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Listed as applicants with Mrs. Jonathan, in the application, are the Incorporated Trustees of Ariwabai Aruera Reachout Foundation, Pagmat Oil and Gas Nigeria Limited, Flinchley Top Homes Limited, Incorporated Trustees of Women for Change and Development Initiative Nigeria, Transocean Property and Investment Ltd, Seagate Property Development Investment Company, Globus Integrated Services and Pluto Property and Investment Company Limited.

    Justice Nyako upheld the applicants that the interim forfeiture order had elapsed and could not be renewed by the EFCC.

    Five of the accounts are domiciled in Skye Bank Plc, seven are in Diamond Bank Plc, while the remaining accounts are with Union Bank Plc, First Bank Plc, Ecobank and Zenith Bank Plc.

    The applicants had insisted before the court that the anti-graft agency obtained the forfeiture order by an improper use of the judicial process.

    They told the court that the said interim forfeiture order, including a subsequent one that was issued on October 18, had since expired, with the EFCC, failing to establish a nexus between the applicants and any act of illegality.

    In a six -paragraph affidavit deposed to by one Chinedu Maduba, Mrs. Jonathan and the firms admitted their ownership of the 16 bank accounts.

    The applicants told the court that EFCC had before May 30 when it secured the forfeiture order, also filed a similar application that affected most of the parties, before Justice C.M.A. Olatoregun of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos in suit number FHC/L/CS/1342/2016 with same granted on October 10.

    They alleged that EFCC suppressed the fact that it had earlier approached the Lagos Division of court for the same relief it applied for and secured from the court in Abuja.

    “That by reason of these orders, the Applicants have been unable to operate their accounts as the banks who are in custody of their accounts have refused to honour any of the applicants’ instructions ostensibly because of the order of this honourable court”, the affidavit said.

  • EFCC traces Abuja posh assets to Jonathan’s wife

    EFCC traces Abuja posh assets to Jonathan’s wife

    Two more assets have been traced to former First Lady Patience Jonathan, who is being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged money laundering.

    The latest development has brought the number of Mrs. Jonathan’s assets  under investigation to 15.

    But the list does not include the six choice plots traced to her in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), it was learnt yesterday.

    The commission said it suspected the assets were allegedly bought through three firms  – Ariwabai Aurera Reachout Foundation; Finchley Top Homes Limited; and AM-PM Network Limited.

    The EFCC has initiated moves to seize the assets, which are in Abuja.

    Besides the three firms, the roles played by seven banks in acquiring the assets are also being investigated.

    A Special Task Force is probing the relationship between the three firms and the former First Lady.

    Specifically, detectives are probing how Mrs. Jonathan allegedly used the proxy firms to secure six choice plots in the Central Business District(CBD), Abuja, Wasa District, Idogwari District, Karsana and Mabushi in the FCT.

    The plots are:

    • 1758, Cadastral zone B06, Mabushi, which was allocated to Ariwabai Aurera Reachout Foundation in 2010;
    • 96, Cadastral Zone D05, Karsana, allocated to AM-PM Global Network Limited vide a letter of intent dated 31/05/2012;
    • 7109, Cadastral Zone E10, Wasa District, allocated to AM-PM Global Network Limited vide a letter of intent dated 27/03/2013;
    • 30, Cadasrtal Zone D03, Idogwari District (AM-PM Global Network Limited vide a letter of intent dated 23/10/2014);
    • 1758, Cadastral zone B06, Mabushi (Ariwabai Aurera Reachout Foundation vide a Right of Occupancy in 2010); and
    • 1350 Cadastral Zone A00, Central Business District, which was allocated to Ariwabai Aurera Reach Out Foundation in 2010. The and Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) issued in 2011.

    A source said: “A Special Task Force is looking into how Mrs. Jonathan allegedly laundered huge sums of money into the accounts of three companies. These shell  firms were in turn used to acquire some plots of land and properties suspected to be proceeds of crime.

    “We have already written to the Corporate Affairs Commission(CAC) and seven banks linked with the plots of land and the two properties.

    “Apart from the statements of account of the three companies., our team is in touch with Abuja Geographical Information Service(AGIS) for information about some properties linked to the affected firms.”

    The source spoke of how the investigators found that two properties were already being developed, allegedly by the former First Lady on Plot No. 1758 Cadastral zone B06 Mabushi and Plot No. 1350 Cadastral zone A00 Central Business District

    “We discovered that on Plot No. 1758 Cadastral zone B06 Mabushi, which was allocated to Ariwabai Aurera Reachout Foundation in 2010 and C of O issued in 2011, eight  mighty  buildings are being built. Most people believe it is proposed to be a hotel.

    “Also, Plot No. 1350, Cadastral Zone A00 in Central Business District, currently bears an eight-storey building still under construction. The plot was allocated to Ariwabai Aurera Reachout Foundation in 2010 and C of O issued in 2011.

    “Inference   may be drawn from the above, considering the fact that the suspect’s last known official position was Permanent Secretary in the Bayelsa State Government.

    Hence, there is no way such magnificent architectural edifices could have been built within a short space of time as it is the case with the properties in question.”

    The EFCC believes that there is high probability that the property could have been built with proceeds of crime.

    “It is evidently clear that it is a case of money laundering but there is need to do more to prove the predicate of the offence,” the source said, pleading not to be named so as not to jeopardise the investigation.

    The agency is awaiting responses from banks, CAC and AGIS.

    Besides, it is making efforts to get information about Finchley Homes Limited, its directors and all properties with bank accounts linked to them.

    The source confirmed that the EFCC might “request for the interim forfeiture of the two properties.

    “This is particularly very important because attempt to mark the properties, by operatives, was resisted and even the portion that was successfully marked was later cleared by agents of the suspect,” the source said.

    With the latest bend of investigation, 15 properties and six plots of land have so far been traced to the former First Lady in Port Harcourt, Yenagoa and Abuja.

    Besides the two properties in Abuja, 13 others were previously linked with the ex-First Lady.

    The assets in Port Harcourt  are former Customs Service officers mess; two duplexes at 2/3 Bauchi Street; landed property with blocks at Ambowei Street; three Luxury apartments of four-bedroom each at Ambowei Street;  and Grand View Hotel along airport road.

    The rest suspected assets in Yenagoa include two marble duplexes at Otioko GRA by Isaac Boro Expressway;  Glass House on 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 along Sani Abacha Expressway.

  • EFCC goes after Jonathan’s wife’s assets

    EFCC goes after Jonathan’s wife’s assets

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set  to apply for the final forfeiture of  choice properties  allegedly owned by former First Lady  Patience Jonathan.

    But the commission has been having difficulty in getting the original titles of the assets. They include Aridolf  Resort, Wellness and Spa  and  eight others.

    The anti-graft commission may ask the court to compel the agencies with the titles in Bayelsa and Rivers states to release them.

    The assets in Bayelsa are two marble duplexes at Otioko GRA by Isaac Boro Expressway;   a Glass House on  Sani Abacha Expressway;  Akemfa Etie Plaza by AP filling Station, Melford Okilo Road; and Aridolf  Resort, Wellness  and Spa on Sani Abacha Expressway.

    Others 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 four-bedroom each at Ambowei Street;  and Grand View Hotel on Airport Road.

    The EFCC might consider non-conviction options  to recover suspicious assets allegedly traced to the ex-First Lady, it was learnt.

    A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Investigations into the assets traced to the ex-First Lady have been completed. What is left is retrieving the land titles of these suspicious assets. But some land registries are not cooperating with us.

    ”We cannot allow these assets to continue to deteriorate. Very soon, we will apply for the final forfeiture of the affected assets – in line with our mandate. We will apply to the court for the final forfeiture of the assets to give room for those who owned the properties to come forward. We want to put the assets into public use like we have done in some cases of those implicated in the $2.1billion arms deals.

    Responding to a question, the source said: “ Acting on orders from above, some officers in the Ministry of Lands in Rivers State have been blocking EFCC’s access to vital documents.

    “If they continue, we will take action against such officers for obstructing this agency from doing its work.

    “We have made them to realise that by virtue of Section 7 of the EFCC Act , these officers are expected to cooperate with us.”

    Section 7 of the EFCC Act states: “The commission has power to (a) cause any investigations to be conducted as to whether any person, corporate body or organisation has committed any offence under this Act or other law relating to economic and financial crimes.

    “(b) Cause investigations to be conducted into the properties of any person if it appears to the commission that the person’s lifestyle and extent of the properties are not justified by his source of income.”

    It was learnt that the ex-First Lady had not been interrogated in line with a deal brokered by the Abdulsalami Abubakar Peace Committee.

    Another source said: “Part of the deal was that any loot or suspicious asset traced to the former first family might be mutually discussed and quietly returned.

    “But the deal went awry when the ex-First Lady decided to approach the court to seek the enforcement of her fundamental human rights and to challenge the freezing of her accounts.”