Patience Jonathan briefs court over demolished property

Former first lady Mrs Patience Jonathan has complained to a Federal High Court in Abuja over the recent demolition of some property linked to her foundation.

The demolition was carried out by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) despite a suit pending before another judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho.



Mrs Jonathan’s complain was brought by her counsel, Mike Ozekhome (SAN) yesterday at the hearing of an ex parte application, filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seeking the temporary forfeiture of her other property. 

The EFCC is seeking to attach some property belonging to Ariwaba Aruera Reach out Foundation, which Mrs Jonathan promotes. 

The property include: Plot No. 1758, Cadastral Zone, B06 Mabushi; and Plot No.1350, Cadastral Zone, A00 Central Business District, Abuja.

In moving his preliminary objection to the EFCC application, Ozekhome said the property, which is the subject matter of the suit, had been demolished by the Federal Government.
He applied to tender photographs, video CDs and newspaper reports concerning the demolition.

When Justice Nnamdi Dimgba asked the EFCC lawyer, Benedict Manji, to confirm the claim, he denied knowledge of the demolition.
“My Lord, I am hearing of the demolition now. It is not part of our mandate,” he said. 
 The case has been adjourned to February 26 for hearing.