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Tag: Patience Jonathan

  • 2027: I will campaign with Remi Tinubu, says Patience Jonathan

    2027: I will campaign with Remi Tinubu, says Patience Jonathan

    Ahead of the 2027 general election, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election has got a big boost.

    Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has offered to campaign alongside the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for the President’s second term.

    Mrs. Jonathan announced this while acknowledging the President’s daughter and Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, after receiving the Women Icon Leader of the Year award from Accolade Dynamics Limited on Saturday night in Abuja.

    The ex-First Lady, who said she endorsed the principle of rotational presidency, ruled out a return to Aso Rock Villa in 2027.

    She said: “I was supposed to call her first, but I saved her for last: the daughter of our wonderful President, the President of Nigeria, the one and only we believe in — President Bola Tinubu.

    “Iyaloja, thank you for standing with women because these are your women. Carry them along; they are with you.

    “All the way, we are with you. No shaking. We will follow. Direct us, and we will follow because there is only one President at a time. We don’t have two presidents. I am outspoken — if I don’t like something, I will say it. But if I like something, I die for it.

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    “I believe in one president. I believe in turn-by-turn. When it’s your turn, I will support you. When it’s not your turn, step back so that the country can move forward.”

    Mrs. Jonathan recalled her longstanding relationship with Senator Remi Tinubu – from the time former President Goodluck Jonathan was deputy governor of Bayelsa State, then as governor of the state.

    The former First Lady also recalled how Mrs. Tinubu and her husband supported her and her husband when they contested for the presidency in 2011.

    She insisted that rather than return to Aso Rock, she would support Senator Tinubu and her husband.

    Mrs. Jonathan said: “I didn’t just know her (Mrs. Tinubu) just because she’s the First Lady. No. We worked together. We worked as a group. We are groups. We worked when I was a deputy governor’s wife. We worked when I was a governor’s wife.

    “I know her. I talked with Oluremi. Even when my husband was the Vice President, Oluremi stood with her husband and supported us during our first election. They supported us. So, for me, I have a conscience. I cannot abandon my friend, whether you like it or not.

    “Because, you see, this is turn by turn. Today, it is my turn — I will go. Tomorrow, it will be another person’s turn — then we go. And when we go, will we still meet? Where will we meet? I don’t know.

    “I stand by my friend. My friend is great. I told her I would campaign with her. I’m not denying her. I’m not running. I’m not going back to the Villa…”

    “I say it every day. Don’t you like how young I look? People say, ‘Mama, you are young, you are young!’ It is because I have rest of mind, yes. I don’t want to go there. Let my friend be there.”

    Jocularly, she added: “Let me also ‘wahala’ (trouble) her the way she used to ‘wahala’ me when I was there! Let me also tease her. And until she comes out, she will be young. But for now, she won’t be young.”

    Mrs. Jonathan promised to mobilise women for the passage of the Gender Equality Bills by the National Assembly.

  • 2027: I’ll campaign with Oluremi Tinubu — Patience Jonathan

    2027: I’ll campaign with Oluremi Tinubu — Patience Jonathan

    President Bola Tinubu’s re-election at the weekend got a boost with former first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, pledging to campaign alongside the First Lady, Senator Oluremi ahead of the 2027 general election.

    Mrs. Jonathan disclosed this while acknowledging the President’s daughter and Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, after receiving the Women Icon Leader of the Year award from Accolade Dynamics Limited in Abuja on Saturday night.

    The ex-First Lady, who supported the principle of rotational presidency, ruled out any return to Aso Rock Villa in 2027.

    While saying that rotational presidency was essential for national unity, Mrs Jonthan urged those clamouring for the return of the presidency to their region in 2027 “to step back—so that the country can move forward.”

    The former first lady said: “I was supposed to call her first, but I saved her for last: the daughter of our wonderful President, the President of Nigeria, the one and only we believe in — President Bola Tinubu. Iyaloja, thank you for standing with women because these are your women. Carry them along; they are with you.

    “All the way, we are with you. No shaking. We will follow. Direct us, and we will follow. Because there is only one president at a time. We don’t have two presidents. I am outspoken — if I don’t like something, I will say it. But if I like something, I die for it.

    “I believe in one president. I believe in turn-by-turn. When it’s your turn, I will support you. When it’s not your turn, step back—so that the country can move forward.”

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    Speaking further, she said she has a longstanding relationship with Remi Tinubu from the time her husband (former president Jonathan) was Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, then as governor of the state.

    The ex-first lady also recalled how Mrs Tinubu and the president supported her and her husband when they contested for the presidency in 2011.

    She insisted that rather than return to Aso Rock, she would support the First Lady and her husband.

    She said, “I didn’t just know her (Senator Oluremi Tinubu) just because she’s the First Lady, no. We worked together. We worked as a group.

    “We are groups. We worked when I was a deputy governor’s wife. We worked when I was a governor’s wife. I know her. I talked with Oluremi. Even when my husband was the vice president, Oluremi stood with her husband and supported us during our first election. They supported us. So, for me, I have a conscience. I cannot abandon my friend, whether you like it or not.

    “Because, you see, this is turn by turn. Today is my turn—I will go. Tomorrow, it will be another person’s turn—then we go. And when we go, will we still meet? Where will we meet? I don’t know.

    “I stand by my friend. My friend is great. I told her I would campaign with her. I’m not denying her. I’m not running. I’m not going back to the villa. If you call me, I will not go.

    “I say it every day. Don’t you like how young I look? People say, “Mama, you are young, you are young!” it is because I have rest of mind, yes. I don’t want to go there—let my friend be there. Let me also “wahala” her the way she used to “wahala” me when I was there! Let me also tease her. And until she comes out, she will be young. But for now, she won’t be young. ”

    She also threw her weight behind the 35 per cent affirmative action for women in governance, lamenting the repeated rejection of gender equality bills by the National Assembly.

    Mrs Jonathan promised to mobilise women for the passage of the gender equality bills by the National Assembly.

    She said, “During Obasanjo’s time, we worked for it, and the Executive approved 35 per cent. My husband also maintained it. But when it comes to elective positions, the men dominate and shut us out. May God touch their hearts to understand that we are their mothers, sisters, and friends. We are not trying to take power from them—we are trying to support them.”

    Mrs Jonathan described the honour as a recognition of collective efforts in the advancement of women’s health and economic well-being.

    She said, “I am deeply humbled to receive this prestigious Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 award. I accept this honour not just as a personal recognition, but as a testament to the tireless efforts of countless women and men who have worked alongside me to promote good health and economic development for women in Nigeria and beyond.”

    She highlighted the work of her Non Governmental Organisations—Aurora Richard Foundation and Women for Change and Development Initiative—which have empowered thousands of women and youth through skill acquisition programmes and supported children with critical health conditions requiring surgeries abroad.

    Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and CEO of Accolade Dynamics, Ms. Dofan Chizaram described the night as a tribute to both men and women who have significantly impacted Nigeria and the African continent through leadership, mentorship, and community development.

    “This night is about celebrating the legends who have uplifted women and the broader community. We want to acknowledge their value while they are still with us,” Tor said.

  • Patience Jonathan mourns Akwa Ibom First Lady

    Patience Jonathan mourns Akwa Ibom First Lady

    Former Nigerian First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has expressed sadness over the demise of Akwa Ibom State First Lady, Pastor, Mrs Patience Umo Eno. 

    Jonathan in a statement by her Chief Press Secretary, Godwin Mbachu, on Sunday, commiserated with the family, the governor, the government and people of Akwa Ibom State.

    She described the late Mrs Eno as a devoted Minister of God and woman of virtue who was committed to the service of God and humanity.

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    She added that the late Eno’s her pet project “The Golden Initiative For All”  impacted on countless lives.

    “I am saddened by the news of sudden death of the wife of the Akwa Ibom state governor, Mrs, Patience Umo Eno. She will surely be missed by all.

    “I pray that the Almighty God grants her soul eternal rest and the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the loss. Please, accept my heart felt condolences,” Jonathan said.

  • I’’m never going back to presidential Villa – Patience Jonathan

    I’’m never going back to presidential Villa – Patience Jonathan

    Former First Lady Patience Jonathan has said that she has no intention of returning to the Presidential Villa.

    She said the stress associated with the stress associated with the office was too much 

    Mrs. Jonathan stated this in an event on Friday.

    Jonathan in a video seen by The Nation said if anybody calls her to return to the Villa, she would refuse the offer as she is now old. 

    She added that if God brings one out of the stress, one should be grateful to God.

    Read Also: Patience Jonathan pledges support for Tinubu’s wife

     “If you call me now for villa, I won’t go there. I won’t. Don’t you see how young I am? The stress is so much. 

     “The stress of Nigeria is so much. If God manages to bring you out of it, you should glorify God and thank him. It is the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes.

     “He has taken you there once, why do you want to go there again? Me I won’t go oo,” she stated.

  • Jonathan’s wife forfeits N12.2b to Fed. Govt

    THE Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday ordered the final forfeiture of N12.2 billion belonging to former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan to the Federal Government.

    Justice Mojisola Olatoregun ruled on an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), that prayed the court to order the forfeiture of $8.4 million (about N3.030 billion) and N9.2 billion found in her companies’ accounts.

    Justice Olatoregun agreed with the EFCC that the money was reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime.

    She held that the respondents could not show cause as to why the funds should not be permanently forfeited to the government.

    The Justice had on April 20 ordered the funds’ temporary forfeiture and subsequently directed parties to give oral evidence to explain the monies’ source.

    Mrs. Jonathan, Globus Integrated Services Ltd, Finchley Top Homes Ltd., Am-Pm Global Network Ltd, Pagmat Oil and Gas Ltd, Magel Resort Ltd and Oba were the respondents.

    Details of the forfeited sums showed N1.085 billion and N226.3 million found in Finchley’s Ecobank were account and N39.4 million in its Diamond Bank account, as well as N55.9 million found in Pagmat Oil and Gas’ Diamond Bank account.

    Also forfeited is $429,381.87 (about N154.9 million) found in Mrs Jonathan’s sister Esther Oba’s Skye Bank account numbered 211000170, which EFCC said is suspected to be “proceeds of unlawful activity.”

    Further breakdown are as follows: $3,645,013.73 found in an account number 2031277178 domiciled with First Bank of Nigeria Ltd; $4,361,393.24, found in Skye Bank Plc account number 1771421299, and N1, 800,494,000 in Fidelity Bank Plc account 4011019539).

    Others are N226,376,700.23 (Ecobank Ltd account 1102001996), N1,085,576,947.99 (Ecobank 1102001996), N39,418,712.12 (Diamond Bank 0019213687), N7,213,303.50 (Diamond Bank 0026718889), N55,930,024.50 (Diamond Bank 0026838491)

    Also forfeited are N858,923,982.55 (Zenith Bank Plc 1011744356), N1,809,666,494.68 (Fidelity Bank 4011019560), N1,000,494,000.00 (Fidelity Bank 4011019546), N317,397,458.26 (Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc 0016971559), and N1,809,666,494.68 (Fidelity Bank 4011019577).

    Others are N174,166,207.06 (Diamond Bank 0024351590), N858,923,982.55 (Zenith Bank 1011744356), N1,809,666,494.68 (Fidelity Bank 4011019560), N1,000,494,000.00 (Fidelity Bank 4011019546), N317,397,458.26 (Stanbic IBTC Bank 0016971559), and N1,809,666,494.68 (Fidelity Bank 4011019577).

    The rest are N55, 930,024.50 (Diamond Bank 0026838491), $429,381.87 (Skye Bank Plc 2110003170) and N174, 166,207.06 (Diamond Bank Plc, 0024351590).

    EFCC argued that the monies are “reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity”, adding that the respondents were not into “any legitimate income-yielding business venture” as to earn such amounts.

    The commission alleged the firms were incorporated for the purpose of warehousing proceeds of unlawful activities for the former First Lady.

    “The depositors into this account are domestic staff of State House, Abuja, who was procured by (an aide) Dudafa Waripamo-Owei to deposit the funds sought to be forfeited in a bid to conceal the true origin of the funds,” the commission said in a supporting affidavit.

    But, Mrs Jonathan, through her lawyers Chief Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN) and Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), urged the court to refuse EFCC’s application.

    Adedipe argued that the agency did not invite Mrs. Jonathan to explain the source of the funds, nor did it charge her with any offence or substantiate the allegation that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activities.

    Ozekhome added that the funds were earned legitimately, and that the companies were into legitimate businesses.

    The judge allowed the respondents to play video clips of what the companies are involved in.

    The first video showed business outlets and products of Finchley Homes Ltd, including interior and exterior home decorations, household utensils, textiles, drinks, noodles, furniture, a warehouse, as well as various pickup vans said to belong to the company.

    The second video clip showed the business outfit of the Magel Resort Ltd, Otuoke, which comprised a luxurious hotel equipped IT centres.

    Adedipe also exhibited three videos showing activities of the Women for Change Initiative, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) linked to Mrs. Jonathan through which she received donations.

    In her testimony, Mrs Jonathan’s younger sister, Esther Oba, claimed the ownership of the money found in her account, explaining that the funds were raised from the estacodes she got when she served as Special Assistant to former President Goodluck Jonathan on Household Administration and the gifts she got when her mother died.

    She said: “The account is mine and the money in it is mine. I got $600 per day whenever I travelled.”

    Delivering judgment, Justice Olatoregun said she had “no doubts, at all, that these monies are proceeds of unlawful activities.”

    She held: “The respondents failed to dispel the suspicion created by the movement of the monies within the meaning and contemplation of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, coupled with the various extra-judicial statements of the Bureau De Change (BDC) agents which were not controverted by the respondents.

    Read Also: Jonathan’s kinsman, Agadaga joins Bayelsa governorship race

    “In all of this, taking into consideration the overwhelming evidence provided by the applicant, the mode, the circumstances and the manner involved, using fictitious names, etcetera, to lodge monies in her name by named and unnamed individuals and BDCs, I cannot come to a conclusion by any sense of responsibility that these monies are proceeds of lawful activities within the meaning and contemplation of the provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and other related offences Act 2006; the Money Laundering Act 2004 and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act 2004 and other laws enforceable under the EFCC Act 2004.”

    According to the judge, the respondents failed to show cause why the monies should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    Justice Olatoregun added: “A lot of heavy weather has been of the money belonging to ‘Women for Change’ by both parties but no single account of the NGO is before the court.

    “From the affidavit evidence, it can be said that the suspicion raised by the EFCC has nothing to do with the corporate existence of the respondents’ companies. It relates to the funds found in the account of the companies.

    “The oral testimonies of the three witnesses who gave evidences for the third to sixth respondents could not explain the source of income of the companies.

    “The third to sixth respondents failed to show cause why the money should not be forfeited to the Federal Government. I have no doubt at all that these monies were proceeds of unlawful activities. There were no explanations as to why the funds were paid into the companies’ accounts.

    “Taking into consideration the overwhelming evidences provided by the applicant, I cannot come to conclusion with any reasonable sense that the funds were not proceeds of unlawful activities.

    “I am satisfied that the respective sums upon which the application for final forfeiture is sought are liable to be forfeited”.

    The EFCC, in a separate forfeiture proceeding also pending before Justice Olatoregun, is seeking the final forfeiture of another $5.7 million and N2.4 billion belonging to Mrs. Jonathan.

    Judgment will be delivered in the case in September, it was learnt.

  • EFCC seeks final forfeiture of Patience Jonathan’s $5.7m, N2.4bn

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday urged the Federal High Court in Lagos to order the final forfeiture of $5.7million and N2.4billion belonging to former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan.

    It said the money is reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime.

    Moving an application for the final forfeiture, the EFCC’s lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, said Mrs Jonathan did not earn the money legitimately.

    But, Mrs Jonathan, through her lawyer, Chief Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN), said the money was not stolen.

    He said it was part of gifts from friends, adding that nobody complained that their money was stolen.

    Justice Mojisola Olatoregun on April 26, 2017 ordered the money’s temporary forfeiture based on an ex-parte application by the EFCC.

    Mrs Jonathan appealed, but the Court of Appeal last January 12 upheld the temporary forfeiture.

    The Supreme Court on March 15 affirmed the Court of Appeal judgment.

    It directed the appellant to return to before Justice Olatoregun to show cause why the money should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

    In an affidavit in support of the ex-parte originating summons, an EFCC operative, Musbahu Yahaha Abubakar, said Mrs Jonathan opened a Skye Bank account on February 7, 2013.

    “One Dudafa Waripamo Owei, who was the Senior Special Assistant to the former President, was one of the frequent depositors in the account.

    “Another frequent cash depositor of funds reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities into the account is one Festus Iyoha, a steward at the State House, Abuja,” the deponent said.

    The EFCC investigator said Iyoha made deposits with fictitious names.

    Abubakar said between February 8, 2013 and January 30, 2015, $6,791,599.64 suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities was deposited into the account in cash.

    He said Mrs Jonathan dissipated part of the funds, leaving a balance of $5,731,173.55.

    Read also: Patience Jonathan’s N200m suit against EFCC for hearing Oct. 16

    “If this funds are not forfeited in the interim, the operator of the account, Mrs Dame Patience Jonathan, will fully dissipate it,” the investigator said.

    The commission said the N2.4billion was found in an Ecobank Nigeria Ltd account numbered 2022000760 in the name of La Wari Furniture and Baths Ltd.

    The EFCC said the “purported” signatory to the account was one Ada Ifegbu, with a telephone number belonging to one Esther Oba.

    The EFCC operative said the N2.4billion “was substantially the naira equivalent of the United States dollars given to one Chima Nwafor John of Ecobank Nigeria Ltd by one Esther Oba at the Aso Rock Villa.”

    He said it was John who contracted bureau de change operators to convert the money to naira and deposit it to La Wari Furniture and Baths’s account.

    The company is the second respondent.

    Urging the court to order the final forfeiture, Oyedepo said: “The $5million was not the first respondent’s legitimate earning.

    “She was a public servant and a salary earner. The sums cannot be her legitimate income. We urge the court to agree with us and forfeit the sum to the Federal Government.”

    On the N2.4billion, Oyedepo said the opening of the account where the money is domiciled is “shrouded in mystery and fraud”.

    He added that a director of La Wari Furniture and Baths, Mrs Oyewole Yemisi, when questioned by EFCC, claimed not to know anything about the company and that her signature was forged.

    “She denied being part of the resolution that authorised the opening of the account in which the funds were warehoused. She said she was not part of the company,” Oyedepo said.

    Besides, he said those who paid money into the accounts did not buy any goods from the firm.

    “The money was not the proceeds of sale of any goods. We urge my Lord to hold that the money is proceeds of crime,” Oyedepo said.

    But, Chief Adedipe said there was no evidence that the money sought to be forfeited is proceeds of crime.

    He said Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud, which EFCC relied on, is targeted at fraudsters and anticipates “unlawful conduct”.

    “It is not the law that if the EFCC finds money in an account and it doesn’t like the owner’s face, it comes to court and says ‘forfeit it’.

    “The government is at liberty to apply for forfeiture, but the offence must be stated.

    “The first respondent is the wife of a former deputy governor, governor, vice president and president. Even the current occupier of the office of the First Lady wants to build a university.

    “In this country, First Ladies enjoy a lot of goodwill. She (Mrs Jonathan) stated that governors gave her money. Nobody wrote that she stole their money,” the SAN said.

    Besides, Adedipe added that the anti-graft agency did not provide any evidence that her client stole money from government or any individual.

    “All EFCC said is that they saw money in her account and assumed it was stolen. They didn’t say from whom. You don’t pick on your political opponents.

    “We urge your Lordship to hold that the money is not proceeds of unlawful act. It’s not a crime to be given money,” Adedipe said.

    La Wari Furniture and Baths’ counsel, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), said the company is an ongoing business concern involved in the import and export of furniture and antiques.

    “It is settled law that suspicion no matter how grave can never amount to legal evidence to prove the guilt or culpability of anyone either in criminal or civil proceedings.

    “They have not brought anybody to complain that money is missing. It is not a crime that La Wari Furniture and Baths had made money.

    “EFCC has not shown any predicate offence committed by La Wari Furniture and Baths. They threw a wide net into the sea looking to catch a fish.

    “We urge your Lordship to refuse this application,” Ozekhome prayed.

    Justice Olatoregun adjourned until June 24 for judgment.

  • Patience Jonathan’s N200m suit against EFCC for hearing Oct. 16

    Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday fixed October 16 to hear a suit filed by former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    She is challenging a “no-debit order” placed on her account by the anti-graft agency.

    Justice Aneke took over the case from Justice Mohammed Idris, who was elevated to the Court of Appeal.

    The case came up for mention yesterday, with parties’ counsel giving assurances that all amendments would have been filed and served before the hearing date.

    EFCC, Skye Bank Plc (now Polaris Bank) and three companies – Pluto Property and Investment Company Limited, Seagate Property Development and Investment Company Limited and Trans Ocean Property and Investment Company Limited – are the respondents.

    Mrs Jonathan, in the suit filed in 2016, is demanding N200 million damages. She is praying the court to compel the EFCC to immediately remove the “no-debit order” placed on her accounts with $9.8 million.

    REad also: Patience Jonathan received N700, 000 monthly salary for months after retirement -EFCC

    The First Lady’s aide, Sammie Somiari, in a supporting affidavit, said a former Special Adviser (SA) on Domestic Affairs to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Waripamo Dudafa, helped Mrs Jonathan to open the accounts.

    Somiari said Mrs Jonathan is the sole signatory and that Dudafa opened only one of the accounts in her name while the others were in the companies’.

    The deponent said Mrs Jonathan operated the accounts with debit cards until EFCC placed the “no-deposit order”.

    But the EFCC said Mrs Jonathan does not run any business from which she could have earned such huge sums, being the wife of a former President, a civil servant and a retired Permanent Secretary in Bayelsa State.

    “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 were discovered to be proceeds of fraudulent activities of Waripamo-Owei Emmanuel Dudafa,” EFCC said.

  • Patience Jonathan: EFCC’s allegations against me ‘weighty’

    Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, yesterday urged the Federal High Court in Lagos for some time to respond to “weighty” allegations filed against her by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, on April 26, 2017, ordered the temporary forfeiture of $5.7 million and N2,421,953,522.78 allegedly belonging to Mrs Jonathan. The judge made the order based on an ex-parte application by the EFCC.

    The commission said the N2.4 billion was found in an Ecobank Nigeria Limited’s account number 2022000760 in the name of La Wari Furniture and Baths Limited.

    Following the temporary forfeiture, Mrs Jonathan, through her lawyers, Chief Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN) and Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), appealed the verdict.

    The Court of Appeal, last January 12, upheld the temporary forfeiture. Dissatisfied, Mrs Jonathan headed to the Supreme Court, and the apex court, on March 15, affirmed the Court of Appeal judgment.

    It directed the appellant to return to the High Court before Justice Olatoregun to show cause why the money should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

    The Supreme Court also rejected her prayer to strike down the provisions of Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud Act, which EFCC relied on in securing the forfeiture.

    EFCC’s lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo yesterday said he received two affidavits from Ozekhome on April 29.

    One of them, he said, is a counter-affidavit to the motion on notice for final forfeiture; the other is a further affidavit.

    Oyedepo said the EFCC filed and served its reply to the SAN’s motions on Tuesday.

    Ozekhome said: “We got their affidavit at 5.5 p.m yesterday (Tuesday). A plethora of exhibits were attached. Their affidavit is replete with new facts.

    “These are facts that are weighty, so weighty that they require us to respond. We don’t want any of their facts to be deemed admitted because we did not respond.

    “I was served with a bulky document which has things that were not part of the original application.

    “I’m only saying that in the interest of justice, we need to react to those issues raised.”

    Adedipe said he had no objections to Ozekhome’s request for an adjournment.

    Granting the adjournment, Justice Olatoregun said there must be an end to litigation.

    “I hope parties realise that there must be an end to backward and forward filing of applications,” she said.

    In an affidavit supporting the ex-parte originating summons, an EFCC operative Musbahu Yahaha Abubakar said Mrs Jonathan opened a Skye Bank account on February 7, 2013.

    “Upon the opening of the account, several huge cash deposits in dollars were made into the account.”

  • Patience Jonathan: Court hears oral evidence in $8.4m forfeiture suit

    A Federal High Court Lagos yesterday took oral evidence in a suit seeking final forfeiture of about 8.4 million dollars, and N7.4 billion found in accounts linked to a former First Lady, Patience Jonathan.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had secured an interim order for forefeture of the sums on April 20, 2018, before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, following a motion exparte it filed.

    Joined as respondents in the suit are: Patience Jonathan, Globus Integrated Services Ltd, Finchley Top Homes Ltd., Am-Pm Global Network Ltd, Pagmat Oil and Gas Ltd and Magel Resort Ltd and Esther Oba.

    On October 29, 2018, EFCC’s counsel, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, had moved his motion for the final forfeiture of the sums, urging that the same be finally forfeited to the Federal Government.

    Meanwhile, defence counsel, Messrs Ifedayo Adedipe, SAN, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, and Mr Ige Asemudara had respectively moved their processes in opposition to the motion for final forfeiture.

    On January 15, the court had admitted pieces of electronic evidence presented by respondent counsel, which depicted video exhibits showing various business outfits of the third and sixth respondents.

    The court had then adjourned until February 28, for judgment.

    On February 28, the judge had first dismissed an application by counsel to the respondents, seeking to set aside the interim forfeiture orders made on April 20, 2018.

    Read also: New judge to hear Patience Jonathan’s suit against EFCC

    Meanwhile, giving its ratio on the motion for final forfeiture, the court held that it finds the pieces of affidavit evidence conflicting, adding that same can only be resolved if the parties concerned are called upon to give pieces of oral evidence.

    When trial resumed yesterday, EFCC counsel (Oyedepo) called a witness, Mr Chukwuma Orji, who deposed to some of the affidavits, and he made adoptions before the court.

    Referring to his role in the course of investigation into the case, Orji told the court that he was Head of EFCC’s task force in Lagos, and named some of his team members as Ogare Ogbore, Idris Adamu, Abdullahi Tukur, Shehu, among others.

    He said that he came across the account of Global Integrated Services Ltd, A. M P. M Global Network, Pagmat Oil and Gas Ltd, and Margel Resort Ltd, adding that he also came across an account name captured as Patience J.

    Orji also adopted an affidavit deposed to by one of the team members (Ogare Ogbore), and an objection by defence counsel was overruled by the court.

    The witness confirmed sums of money lodged into  a  First Bank account, and also confirmed that the first respondent was a public officer, who worked with the Bayelsa State government, adding that he annexed documents to exhibit same. He confirmed that the monies sought to be forfeited by the EFCC are in dollars, whereas, the receipts of sale of proceeds were in Naira.

    According to him, the money being transferred by Bola Shagaya were in dollars and converted to Naira, which emanated from Aso Rock, adding that the same was from unlawful activities of first respondent. Under cross examination by the first defence counsel (Adedipe), the witness reiterated that he was part of the team of investigators in the case. When asked if he was aware that the first respondent was Nigeria’s First Lady under President Goodluck Jonathan, he replied ‘Yes’.

    On whether he was aware that the former First Lady had a pet programme known as Women for Change at the time, the witness replied that his investigations revealed that the programme was used to receive and conceal proceeds of crime. On if that was the provision of the programme’s constitution, the witness replied that while the constitution says something different, its purpose was different. When asked if the government of Bayelsa and Edo had complained to the commission that the funds volunteered to the Women for Change were by force, the witness replied: “I didn’t investigate to know if it was paid by force.

    ” On whether he knew if Bola Shagaya was a friend to the former First Lady, the witness replied that he only discovered from investigations that they were co conspirators. “Have they been charged to court?” Witness replied: “It is not my duty.”

    Adedipe then said:“I suggest to you that you are not a witness of the truth, ” and the witness replied: “You are wrong.” On whether the commission received any complaints from  Aso Villa about missing funds, he replied that he would not know as that was beyond his level, adding that he had seniors. When asked if all the donors to the Women for Change Initiative ever complained of missing funds, the witness replied that he was not aware.

    On whether he received any foreign intelligence against the respondent, he said: “I don’t know” and when asked if the first respondent was ever interviewed at any time, he said ‘No’. Under cross examination by counsel to the third to sixth respondent, Ozekhome). the witness confirmed that he was aware that deposing to an affidavit is a solemn oath. ”I take it that you are not Ogare Ogbore whose affidavit you also adopted, ” the witness replied ‘No’. When asked if the said Ogare Ogbore is sick or bedridden, the witness replied that he was not a doctor to know that and when asked if the person was dead or alive, he replied:

    “He is alive. On whether he had stated that he was a team leader in his affidavit, the witness replied that a team leader can aslo be one of the operatives. On whether in a statement obtained from Waripamo Owei-Dudafa, an ex aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan, or any other person, they had said they paid money into the account of third to sixth respondent, the witness replied “No, to the best of my knowledge, ” When asked if it is his grouse that monies were moved into the account of the women for change, the witness replied that the concept was used to conceal proceeds of crime.

    On whether he had interviewed any official of the third to sixth respondent to know why funds were paid to them by the NGO, the witness replied No, adding that the account did not lead to any of those officials. The witness also told the court that he did not visit any of the companies in the course of investigation because it was not necessary. When asked if he was aware that Bola Shagaya wrote a letter to the EFCC and if he saw it, the witness replied that he was not aware of the document. Hearing will continue on May 9 and May 13.

  • Patience Jonathan: Court hears oral evidence in $8.4m forfeiture suit

    A Federal High Court Lagos on Friday took oral evidences in a suit seeking final forfeiture of about 8.4 million dollars, and N7.4 billion found in accounts linked to a former first Lady, Patience Jonathan.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had secured an interim order for forfeiture of the sums on April 20, 2018, before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, following a motion exparte it filed.

    Joined as respondents in the suit are: Patience Jonathan, Globus Integrated Services Ltd, Finchley Top Homes Ltd., Am-Pm Global Network Ltd, Pagmat Oil and Gas Ltd and Magel Resort Ltd and Esther Oba.

    On Oct. 29, 2018, EFCC counsel, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, had moved his motion for final forfeiture of the sums, urging that same be finally forfeited to the Federal Government.

    Meanwhile, defence counsel, Messrs Ifedayo Adedipe, SAN, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, and Mr Ige Asemudara had respectively moved their processes in opposition to the motion for final forfeiture.

    On Jan. 15, the court had admitted electronic evidences presented by respondent counsel, which depicted video exhibits showing various business outfits of the third and sixth respondents.

    Read Also: Court gives Saraki, Dogara, 52 others 5 days to respond to suit challenging defection

    The court had then adjourned until Feb. 28, for judgment.

    On Feb. 28, the judge had first dismissed an application by counsel to the respondents, seeking to set aside the interim forfeiture orders made on April 20, 2018.

    Meanwhile, giving its ratio on the motion for final forfeiture, the court held that it finds the affidavit evidences conflicting, adding that same can only be resolved if the parties concerned are called upon to give oral evidences.

    When trial resumed on Friday, EFCC counsel (Oyedepo) called a witness, Mr Chukwuma Orji, who deposed to some of the affidavits, and he made adoptions before the court.

    Referring to his role in the course of investigation into the case, Orji told the court that he was Head of EFCC task force in Lagos, and named some of his team members as Ogare Ogbore, Idris Adamu. Abdullahi Tukur, Shehu, among others.

    He said that he came across the account of Global Integrated Services Ltd, A. M P. M Global Network, Pagmat Oil and Gas Ltd, and Margel Resort Ltd, adding that he also came across an account name captured as Patience J.

    Orji also adopted an affidavit deposed to by one of the team members, (Ogare Ogbore), and an objection by defence counsel was overruled by the court.

    The witness confirmed sums of money lodged into a First Bank account and also confirmed that the first respondent was a public officer, who worked with the Bayelsa State government, adding that he annexed documents to exhibit same.

    He confirmed that the monies sought to be forfeited by the EFCC, are in dollars, whereas, the receipts of sale of proceeds were in Naira.

    According to him, the money being transferred by Bola Shagaya were in dollars and converted to Naira, which emanated from Aso rock, adding that same was from unlawful activities of first respondent.

    Under cross examination by first defence counsel (Adedipe), the witness reiterated that he was part of the team of investigators in the case.

    When asked if he was aware that the first respondent was Nigeria’s First Lady under President Goodluck Jonathan, he replied Yes.

    On whether he was aware that the former First Lady had a pet programme known as Women for Change at the time, the witness replied that his investigations revealed that the programme was used to receive and conceal proceeds of crime.

    On if that was the provision of the programme’s constitution, the witness replied that while the constitution says something different, its purpose was different.

    When asked if the government of Bayelsa and Edo had complained to the commission, that the funds volunteered to the Women for Change was by force, the witness replied “I didn’t investigate to know if it was paid by force.”

    On whether he knew if Bola Shagaya was a friend to the former First Lady, the witness replied that he only discovered from investigations that they were co-conspirators.

    “Have they been charged to court, ” Witness replied “It is not my duty, ”

    Adedipe then said “I suggest to you that you are not a witness of the truth, ” and the witness replied “You are wrong. ”

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