14th February, 2023
By Akin Kuponiyi
A Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday fixed March 28, 2023 for the hearing of final forfeiture application of the sum of $5.8 million and N2.4 billion, alleged to belong to the former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan.
The presiding Judge, Tijjani Ringim fixed the date sequel to the argument of counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN and two Defence counsels Chief Mike Ozekhome SAN and Sammie Somiari SAN who had applied to the court that the case be adjourned till further notice pending the outcome of appeal.
First and second defendants are La Wari Furniture and Baths Limited and former first lady, Patience Jonathan
However, Oyedepo opposed the application due to the fact that Supreme Court had ruled that the final forfeiture application be heard which is binding on any other court.
Consequently, Oyedepo contended that the only application ripe for hearing was that of final forfeiture.
Justice Ringim, after listening to the two parties arguments, directed that motion for final forfeiture would be taken and determined first as canvassed by the EFCC’s counsel.
Consequently, the judge adjourned the case to March 28, 2023 for the hearing of application for final forfeiture.
Justice Cecilia Mojisola Olatoregun (Rtd) had on April 26, 2017, while granting Exparte application for the interim forfeiture of the said sums filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), ordered that the said sums were warehoused by Skye Bank and Ecobank Nigeria Plc, be forfeited in the interim.
The order was vigorously challenged up to Supreme Court. But the Apex Court ordered that the lower court should continue with the hearing of the matter.
However, upon Justice Olatoregun’s retirement, the suit was transferred to Justice Chuka Obiozor and before he could preside over the matter, he was transferred to another jurisdiction of the court, thereafter, Justice Ringim, took over the case.