EFCC files a motion in the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, seeking the final forfeiture of N2.42 billion and $5.78 million linked to former First Lady Patience Jonathan

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a motion in the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, seeking the final forfeiture of N2.42 billion and $5.78 million linked to former First Lady Patience Jonathan.

After hearing arguments from counsel, Justice T. G. Ringim set the date for Monday.

The EFCC had filed an ex-parte application for the forfeiture of funds in Skye Bank Plc and Ecobank Plc before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun.

The money was temporarily forfeited by Justice Olatoregun in April 2017.

Jonathan and other respondents, LA Wari Furniture and Bathes, objected to the ruling and took it to the Court of Appeal and then the Supreme Court.

They lost, however, because the courts upheld Justice Olatoregun’s decision.

The judge retired from the bench in 2019, and the case was reassigned to Justice Chuka Obiozor by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.

Prior to his transfer to the Federal High Court in Benin, Edo, Justice Obiozor was unable to preside.

At the rescheduled hearing, EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo told Justice Ringim about the case and prayed for final forfeiture.

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Patience Jonathan was represented by Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN) and Gboyega Oyewole (SAN).

Mike Ozekhome (SAN), counsel for the companies, urged the court to adjourn, saying he was preparing to file an application challenging the suit’s constitutionality.

The nature of the proceedings, according to Justice Ringim, was unique and could not be shortened by any application.

“This court will recess for the hearing of the pending motion for final forfeiture.

He stated, “The second respondent is hereby ordered to file the application, if any, within 14 days from today, and the plaintiff will have one week to respond.”