A Federal High Court in Lagos has granted fresh interim orders to the EFCC to seize eight.4 million (N3.02 billion) and about N7.4 billion present in bank accounts linked to a former First Lady, Patience Jonathan.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission secured the order by Justice Mojisola Olatoregun by an ex parte utility (with out discover) on April 20.
The NANstudies that the EFCC had earlier failed in its bid to get the funds completely forfeited to the Federal Government on April 13.
Justice Olatoregun had dismissed the applying by the anti-graft company following objection by the defence counsel, Mr Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN).
In the brand new interim order, EFCC joined as defendants 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.
After issuing the interim forfeiture orders, Justice Olatoregun ordered the EFCC to “publish similar within the Punch Newspaper and every other main nationwide dailies for events to present trigger why a closing order shouldn't be made.
She adjourned the case till May 11.
In its utility earlier than the courtroom, the EFCC claimed that its investigations revealed that the funds present in the financial institution accounts linked to Patience emanated from the coffers of Bayelsa.
It stated the funds have been moved at a time when the previous First Lady served as an everlasting secretary in one of many ministries within the state.
An investigator with the EFCC, Huleji Tukura, who deposed to a supporting affidavit, stated Patience first opened a checking account after which “procured” a former aide to former President Jonathan, Waripamo-Owei Dudafa, to fund the account with “proceeds of unlawful activities.”
The commission urged the courtroom to grant the order as prayed.