Court orders interim forfeiture of Patience Jonathan’s properties

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of two properties belonging to former first lady, Patience Jonathan.

The court’s decision followed an ex-parte application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) seeking the forfeiture of the properties pending the determination of investigations relating to the assets.

The EFCC accuses the former first lady of using the properties for the running of an NGO which the commission says it found to be fraudulent.

The anti-graft agency also asked the court to stop Mrs. Jonathan from making any attempt at selling the properties.

Justice Nnamdi Dimgba also granted the commission 45 days to conclude it’s investigation and charge Mrs. Jonathan to court.

The court also ruled that the EFCC could approach the court to seek extension of the forfeiture order before the expiration of the 45 day period.

A request by Mrs Jonathan’s lawyer for the court to refuse the ex-parte application was turned down.

“Having dismissed the motion challenging the ex parte originating summons, I have gone ahead to carefully consider the application along with all the materials placed before the court to support the request for same, which materials have already been listed at the commencement of this ruling.

“In so far as the essence of this application is to preserve an asset pending the completion of an investigation, I am convinced that those materials placed before me, justify a favourable exercise of the court’s discretion to grant the relief sought in the application.

“I hereby accordingly grant relief 1 and relief 2 sought.

“The order of court granting the relief shall last only for a period of 45 days within which the applicant must conclude their investigation and file necessary criminal charges where investigation reveals the commission of a crime.”

The court ruled that a valid application for extension of time can only be brought prior to the expiration of the 45 day ultimatum.

“The applicant is at liberty to apply for a renewal of the order on cause, provided that such an application to be valid is made before the expiry of the 45 days validity period granted by the court.

The properties ordered to be forfeited are located at Plot No. 1960, Cadastral Zone A05, Maitama District, and Plot No. 1350, Cadastral Zone A00. Both properties are located in Abuja.