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Tag: Patience Jonathan

  • Judge withdraws from Patience Jonathan’s appeal ‘for personal reasons’

    Judge withdraws from Patience Jonathan’s appeal ‘for personal reasons’

    …Appeal Court adjourns till September 18

     

    The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division Wednesday failed to hear an appeal by the wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Patience, seeking to stop the forfeiture of her $5.7million and N2, 421,953,522.78 to the Federal Government.

    One of the three-man panel, the appellate court said, was recusing himself from hearing the appeal “for personal reasons.

    It did not state which of the justices were withdrawing and what the reasons were.

    Justice John Ikyeh, who presided over the appeal alongside Justices Abimbola Obaseki and Abrahim Georgewill, noted that three judges were required to form a quorum.

    It adjourned till September 18 for hearing.

    Mrs Patience’s appeal arose from an order obtained by the EFCC last April 26, from the Federal High Court in Lagos, temporarily forfeiting the cash to the government.

    The commission told Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, who made the order, that the funds were suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

    It said the N5.7m was part of the $6,791,599.64 (about N2.1billion) which Mrs Jonathan allegedly directed her aides to pay into her account between February 8, 2013 and January 30, 2015, while her husband was President.

    Mrs. Jonathan, the commission said, had earlier spent $949, 282.98 (about N296, 141,911) from the money.

    It said she also withdrew another $100,000 from the account in April, leaving a balance of $5,731,173.55.

    Justice Olatoregun also ordered the temporary forfeiture of the N2, 421,953,522.78 found in an Ecobank Nigeria Ltd account numbered 2022000760 in the name of La Wari Furniture and Baths Ltd.

    The commission said the money also belongs to Mrs Jonathan.

     

  • NDLEA: we’re not harassing Patience Jonathan

    NDLEA: we’re not harassing Patience Jonathan

    THE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has described allegations of harassment by former President Goodluck Jonathan’s wife, Patience, as spurious and misleading.

    It said it has no case against the former First Lady.

    The anti-narcotic body, in a statement, added that though everybody is equal before the law, it is rather surprising that the agency was mentioned in her petition when she is not being investigated.

    Mrs. Jonathan, in a petition presented before the House of Representative by a lawmaker from Rivers State, Mr. Gogo Bright-Tamuno, on behalf of her lawyer, Granville Abibo, alleged that NDLEA and other agencies were constantly harassing her.

    The Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, who presided over the session admitted the petition and referred it to the Committee on Public Petitions for hearing.

    “NDLEA as a reputable agency of government does not harass rather it takes appropriate action against anyone or group of persons who contravene the NDLEA Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2001.

    “This is done through painstaking investigation, arrest and prosecution of suspected drug traffickers. All operations are conducted in compliance with the rule of law and global best practices,” the statement said.

    The agency reiterated its commitment to ridding the country of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

  • Frozen accounts: Patience Jonathan petitions Reps

    Former First Lady Mrs. Patience Jonathan has petitioned the House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara on her alleged harassment by the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu and his Nigerian Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) counterpart, Col. Muhammad Abdallah (rtd).

    Mrs. Jonathan said Magu and Abdallah, without regards to the status of her husband, had persistently harassed and attacked her in a bid to “bring her into public ridicule, odium and dent her hard-earned reputation for no just cause”.

    Among other things, she lamented that the anti-corruption agency orchestrated “an endless pattern of freezing accounts” belonging to her in banks with spurious court orders.

    According to her, bank accounts of her relations, friends, associates and her non-governmental organisations (NGO) were not spared by the EFCC.

    Seeking the intervention of the Speaker and the House, Jonathan implored the lawmakers to call the security agencies to order.

    The former First Lady’s petition was presented by Bright Tamuno  (PDP, Rivers), who noted that the intervention of the House was imperative going by the sacrifices her husband made for the country.

    “No former First Lady has been harassed like this before.

    “But for the sacrifices that her husband has made for the country, the House should consider and call the security agencies to order,” Tamuno said.

    The petition dated June 9 and signed by her legal representative, G. Abibo  (SAN) of Granville Abibo and Co, reads: “We have been instructed by Dame Patience Jonathan of Otuoke, in the Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa to petition your office on the persistent, consistent, unwarranted personal and physical attacks on her by the agents and officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission  (EFCC) orchestrated by Mr. Ibrahim Magu, its acting Head and also the Nigerian Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    “Of all the former First ladies, only the NGOs of our client ARM Foundation or World Peace Outreach groups have been singled out for emasculation by the EFCC with repetitive raids on the offices of these NGOs and unwarranted freezing of their accounts even without any lawful court order.

    “It needs to be emphasised that these NGOs are pet projects of our client, conceived, planted and nurtured by her with the goodwill and contributions of well-meaning persons in Nigeria and beyond.

    “On November 3, 2016 precisely, the EFCC physically raided and attacked the premises of our client and her relations situate at No 2 Igbeti Street, Maitama, Abuja in the absence of the occupants of the House, carting away valuable items of properties.

    “On November 30, 2016, the same premises were raided by the officials of (NDLEA) with a lorry load of over 50 operatives under the guise of searching for drugs kept in the house. This raid was carried out in the absence of the occupants of the said house. Our client’s house was broken into and vandalised by the NDLEA officials.”

    The petition was referred to the House Committee on Public Petitions for further legislative action.

     

  • EFCC, NDLEA, others harassing me – Patience Jonathan

    EFCC, NDLEA, others harassing me – Patience Jonathan

    Nigeria’s ex – First Lady, Patience Jonathan, on Thursday alleged harassment of her family by security agencies and sought the House of Representatives intervention.

    In a petition to the lower chamber, Mrs. Jonathan said the harassment was being orchestrated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other agencies of the Federal Government.

    She urged the federal government to call the agencies to order.

    The petition was presented at the House’s plenary by the lawmaker representing Okrika Federal Constituency in Rivers, Bright Tamuno.

    Presenting the document, Tamuno urged the House to wade into the matter considering the sacrifices the woman’s husband, former President Goodluck Jonathan, made for the country.

    “No former first lady has been harassed like this before, and in view of the sacrifices that her husband has made for the country, the House should consider and call the security agencies to order,” Tamuno said.

    The Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara, referred the petition to the Committee on Public Petitions for further legislative action.

    NAN

     

  • July 12 date for Patience Jonathan’s appeal to reclaim over $5.7m

    July 12 date for Patience Jonathan’s appeal to reclaim over $5.7m

    THE Court of Appeal, Lagos Division has fixed July 12 to hear an appeal by the wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Patience, seeking to stop the forfeiture of her $5.7million and N2,421,953,522.78 to the Federal Government.

    The appeal arose from an order obtained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) last April 26, from the Federal High Court in Lagos, temporarily forfeiting the cash to the government.

    The commission told Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, who made the order, that the funds were suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

    It said the N5.7 million was part of the $6,791,599.64 (about N2.1billion) which Mrs. Jonathan allegedly directed her aides to pay into her account between February 8, 2013 and January 30, 2015, while her husband was President.

    Mrs. Jonathan, the commission said, earlier spent $949, 282.98 (about N296, 141,911) from the money.

    It said she withdrew another $100,000 from the account in April, leaving a balance of $5,731,173.55.

    Justice Olatoregun also ordered the temporary forfeiture of the N2,421,953,522.78 found in an Ecobank Nigeria Ltd account 2022000760 in the name of La Wari Furniture and Baths Ltd.

    The commission said the money belonged to Mrs. Jonathan.

    Last May 22, Justice Olatoregun suspended proceedings in the hearing of the EFCC’s application seeking permanent forfeiture of the cash pending the appellate court’s decision on the interim order.

    She granted the applications of Mrs. Jonathan’s lawyer, Chief Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN) and Counsel for La Wari Furniture and Baths, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), for a stay.

    Adedipe said he filed an application for stay of proceedings pending the appeal’s determination.

    Ozekhome added that once an appeal had been entered, the lower court ought to stay proceedings.

    Besides, he said the court of Appeal already fixed yesterday to hear the case.

    Mrs. Jonathan, in the notice of appeal, is praying the court to hold that the law cited by the EFCC in its ex-parte application for the temporary forfeiture was inapplicable.

    “A judge is bound by the prayers on the motion paper, and the court has no jurisdiction to make a case for a party different from that presented by the said party,” the appellant said.

  • Appeal Court to hear Patience Jonathan’s bid to reclaim seized funds July 12

    Appeal Court to hear Patience Jonathan’s bid to reclaim seized funds July 12

    The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, has fixed July 12 for hearing on the appeal filed by wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Patience, seeking to stop the permanent forfeiture of her $5.7 million and N2, 421,953,522.78 to the Federal Government.

    The appeal arose from an April 26 order obtained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from the Federal High Court, Lagos, temporarily forfeiting the cash to the government.

    The commission told Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, who made the order, that the funds were suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

    It said the N5.7million was part of the $6,791,599.64 (about N2.1billion) which Mrs. Jonathan allegedly directed her aides to pay into her account between February 8, 2013 and January 30, 2015, while her husband was President.

    The ex-First Lady, the EFCC said, had earlier spent $949, 282.98 (about N296, 141,911) from the money.

    It said she also withdrew another $100,000 from the account in April, leaving a balance of $5,731,173.55.

    Justice Olatoregun also ordered the temporary forfeiture of the N2, 421,953,522.78 found in an Ecobank Nigeria Limited account numbered 2022000760 in the name of La Wari Furniture and Baths Limited.

    The commission said the money also belongs to Mrs. Jonathan.

    Justice Olatoregun on May 22 suspended hearing of the EFCC’s application seeking permanent forfeiture of the cash pending the appellate court’s ruling on the interim order.

    She granted the applications of Mrs. Jonathan’s lawyer, Chief Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN) and that of Counsel for La Wari Furniture and Baths, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), for a stay of proceedings.

    Adedipe said he had filed an application for stay of proceedings pending the appeal’s determination.

    Ozekhome added that once an appeal had been entered, the lower court ought to stay proceedings.

    Mrs Jonathan, in the notice of appeal, is praying the court to hold that the law cited by the EFCC in its ex-parte application for the temporary forfeiture was inapplicable.

    “A judge is bound by the prayers on the motion paper and the court has no jurisdiction to make a case for a party different from that presented by the said party,” the appellant said.

    .

  • Court suspends EFCC’s bid to seize Patience’s Jonathan’s $5.7m, N2.4b

    Court suspends EFCC’s bid to seize Patience’s Jonathan’s $5.7m, N2.4b

    The Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday suspended proceedings in the hearing of an application seeking permanent forfeiture of $5.7million belonging to wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Patience.

    Justice Mojisola Olatoregun stayed proceedings pending the outcome of an appeal challenging the money’s temporary forfeiture.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is praying the court to order that the cash be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

    The judge, on April 26, made an interim order forfeiting the money based on an application by EFCC.

    Justice Olatoregun had also ordered the temporary forfeiture of N2, 421,953,522.78 found in an Ecobank Nigeria Limited account numbered 2022000760 in the name of La Wari Furniture and Baths Limited.

    The commission said the money also belongs to Mrs. Jonathan.

    EFCC’s lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo told the judge on Monday that he was ready to move his application for the money’s forfeiture.

    He said the respondents had filed their counter-affidavits and served him.

    But, Mrs. Jonathan’s lawyer, Chief Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN), said he filed an application for stay of proceedings pending the appeal’s determination.

    Counsel for La Wari Furniture and Baths, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), added that once an appeal had been entered, the lower court ought to stay proceedings.

    Besides, he said the Court of Appeal had already fixed the case for hearing on July 5.

    Citing several judicial authorities and Court of Appeal Rules, Ozekhome said it would amount to disrespect for court hierarchy for the judge to proceed with the case where there was a pending appeal.

    According to him, the lower court ceased to have jurisdiction once the appeal was entered and records transferred.

    Ozekhome said, “It’s the law that says once a party to a matter has filed an appeal and the records of proceedings transferred, the lower court ought to wash its hands off the case like Pontius Pilate.

    “The Supreme Court said it will amount to judicial impertinence to entertain the matter when there’s a motion pending at the appeal court.

    “It will amount to embarking on an illegal judicial voyage of discovery.”

    But, Oyedepo said the court could hear the case as there was no order for stay of proceedings from the Court of Appeal.

    “Your Lordship has jurisdiction to hear this matter. There is no order staying proceedings by the superior court,” he said.

     

  • Between Patience Jonathan and Bola Shagaya

    In the Nigerian celebrity scene where friendships spring up like summer flowers when power is acquired, they wither and die like winter leaves when it is lost. Lasting friends, like lasting foes, are a rarity: power is the only constant phenomenon that attracts everyone.

    However, the friendship between former first lady Patience Jonathan and wealthy businesswoman Hajia Bola Shagaya is like an evergreen tree producing fresh green leaves the year round. During Patience’s glory days as the number one woman in the land, the two struck up a fast friendship and were seen doing buddy-buddy up and down the country.

    Many expected the Ilorin-born business magnate Bola, who presides over Bolmus Group International, a diversified Nigerian conglomerate with interests in oil, real estate, banking, communications and photography, to abandon her friend for ‘greener pastures’ after the 2015 elections, but the reverse has been the case. Through rain and sunshine, the duo have remained on the best of terms, even with threats of investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    This was most apparent at the lavish wedding of the daughter of former head of state, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida’s wedding in Minna, Niger State, last week. The two were as inseparable as conjoined twins as they laughed and bantered with each other.

  • EFCC seeks permanent forfeiture of Patience’s Jonathan’s $5.7m

    EFCC seeks permanent forfeiture of Patience’s Jonathan’s $5.7m

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday urged the Federal High Court in Lagos to order the final forfeiture of $5.7million belonging to wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Patience.

    Justice Mojisola Olatoregun on April 26 made an interim order forfeiting the money to the Federal Government.

    EFCC said Mrs. Jonathan allegedly paid $6,791,599.64 (about N2.1billion) into her account between February 8, 2013 and January 30, 2015.

    It said the money, which she allegedly directed her aides to pay into her account while her husband was president, was suspected to be proceed of unlawful activities.

    The commission said Mrs. Jonathan had earlier spent $949,282.98 (about N296,141,911) from the money.

    It said the ex- first lady also withdrew another $100,000 from the account in April, leaving a balance of $5,731,173.55.

    It prayed the court to order the temporary forfeiture of the remaining sum to prevent her from further dissipating it.

    Justice Olatoregun directed the EFCC to publish the interim order in a newspaper to enable any interested party to appear before the court within 14 days to “show cause” as to why a final order of forfeiture should not be made in favour of the federal government.

    Mrs. Jonathan’s lawyer, Mr. Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN), on Monday urged the court not to order a final forfeiture of the money.

    Hs said his client was not given sufficient time to “show cause” why the money should not be forfeited to the federal government.

     

  • $15.5m fraud: Absence of EFCC’s prosecutor stalls Dudafa’s trial

    $15.5m fraud: Absence of EFCC’s prosecutor stalls Dudafa’s trial

    The absence of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecutor on Wednesday in Lagos stalled the ongoing trial of Waripamo-Owei Dudafa, a former Senior Special Adviser on Domestic Affairs to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

    Dudafa is standing trial at a Federal High Court, Lagos, over alleged concealment of 15.5 million dollars (about N4.8 billion) which the former Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan, has laid claim to.

    He was charged alongside two others, a lawyer, Amajuoyi Briggs, a senior staff of Skye Bank , Adedamola Bolodeoku, and four companies.

    The four companies are Pluto Property Development Company Ltd, Seagate Property Development Company Ltd, Transocean Property Development Company Ltd, and Avalon Property Development Company Ltd.

    At the resumed hearing of the case on Wednesday, the court informed the defendants that the EFCC prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, had written a letter seeking for an adjournment.

    The letter stated that the prosecutor was on a national assignment outside the court’s jurisdiction.

    Responding to the EFCC’s letter, Dudafa’s counsel, Mr Gboyega Oyewole, said it was an “unfortunate situation” for the defendants.

    He said if the defendants had acted that way, EFCC would have accused both the court and the defence of delaying the proceedings.

    “Rotimi Oyedepo is not the only lawyer in EFCC, the commission has the largest lawyers’ chamber in Nigeria. It is an unfortunate situation, and I urge the court not to grant the application.”

    Also, counsel to the second defendant, Mr Ige Asemudara, said he was surprised that the prosecutor would not be in court because of a “national assignment” which was not well explained.

    He, therefore, urged the court not to grant the application.

    Counsel to the third defendant and the four companies, Mr Joseph Okobieme and Mr Jeff Kadri agreed with the submissions of the first and second defendants.

    The lawyers urged the court not to grant the adjournment, but to dismiss the charge against the defendants.

    In his ruling, Justice Babs Kuewumi, said the court would adjourn the case in the interest of justice.

    He fixed Sept 13 for continuation of trial.