The Federal High Court in Lagos has refused to order the forfeiture of $8.4 million and N7.4 billion linked to former First Lady, Patience Jonathan.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had applied for final forfeiture of the sums after the last temporary forfeiture order was given on April 20.
Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, on Thursday, refused to grant the application for final forfeiture, saying that parties involved in the suit must give oral evidence to justify the money’s source and ownership.
“I have stated here that the right of parties in this suit cannot be determined by affidavit evidence.
“Oral testimonies are to be called with cross extermination. I hereby order parties to call upon their witnesses so that the right of parties can be determined one way or the other,” Justice Olatoregun ruled.
Among the respondents in the case are Mrs Jonathan, Globus Integrated Services Ltd, Finchley Top Homes Ltd., Am-Pm Global Network Ltd, Pagmat Oil and Gas Ltd, Magel Resort Ltd, and Esther Oba.
The temporarily forfeited sums include N1.085billion and N226.3million found in Finchley’s Ecobank account, N39.4million found in its Diamond Bank account, as well as N55.9million found in Pagmat Oil and Gas’ Diamond Bank account, among others.
