Justice Babs Kuewumi of the Federal High Court Lagos has fixed December 7 as the commencement date hearing of a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by former first lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged freezing of her accounts containing $15.591 million.
Mrs. Jonathan is claiming the sum of $200 million against the EFCC, Skye Bank Plc, a former special assistant to ex president Jonathan, Waripama-Owei Dudafa and four others for what she described as the inconvenience and embarrassment she suffered as a result of the freezing of her accounts.
Also joined in the suit are: Pluto Property and Investment Company Ltd, Seagate Property Development and Investment Company Ltd, Transocean Property and Investment Company Ltd and Globus Integrarted Service Ltd.
The EFCC claimed that Dudafa used the 4 companies to launder the $15.591 million, had pleaded guilty to the offence of money laundering before the same court. The sum involved in the case is the same money which former First Lady, is claiming.
However, Mrs. Jonathan also claimed that the money belongs to her as the sole signatory to the accounts of the companies, but denied ownership of the companies.
The ex-first lady is therefore urging the court to issue an order discharging the freezing order, and restrain the EFCC and its agent from further placing a freezing order on the said accounts.
A large crowd of women protesters were outside the court brandishing placards and banners in support of Mrs. Jonathan.
