Ade Adesomoju, Abuja

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday directed an inquiry into the alleged demolition of a property in Abuja linked to the wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Mrs. Patience Jonathan.

The Development Control Department of the Federal Capital Territory Administration reportedly demolished the property last week Tuesday.

But the property is said to be a subject of forfeiture proceedings initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Justice Nnamdi Dimgba on Monday adjourned the proceedings to enable parties to the suit to report back to the court on the alleged demolition.

The judge requested a report on the issue following the complaint by Patience’s counsel, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), who said a property owned by a non-governmental organisation, A. Aruera Reachout Foundation/Women For Change and Development Initiative, the ex-First Lady’s pet project, had been demolished by an agency of the government.

But Justice Dimgba said the court could not act without first ascertaining whether or not the property in question had been destroyed.

“I will adjourn for the claim that the property has been demolished to be ascertained to enable the court to know what proper steps should be taken,” Justice Dimgba said.

He adjourned till February 26 for the report of the probe and possible hearing of the applications filed by parties.

The EFCC had filed an ex-parte application before the court for temporary forfeiture of the same property.

Ozekhome, acting for the Registered Trustees of Aruera Foundation, had filed an objection to the motion.

Earlier, during the Monday’s proceedings, Ozekhome told the court that the property which EFCC was seeking its forfeiture to the government had been demolished by an agency of the government.

He did not mention which particular government agency was responsible but expressed concern that the government had resorted to self-help instead of allowing the court to resolve issues before the court.

He flaunted some envelopes, which he said contained video recordings and pictures of the demolition.

He also produced some newspapers, which he said contained reports of the demolition.

When asked by the judge, EFCC’s counsel, Mr. Benjamin Manji, denied knowledge of the demolition.

Manji said EFCC was not aware of the development.

He added, “Our mandate is clear, it does not include demolition. We need to confirm if the property is still in existence before we can proceed with our application for temporary forfeiture.”

Ozekhome agreed that the state of the property be ascertained first before further steps could be taken on the case.

He said he would file an affidavit for the formal presentation of the video recording, pictures and newspaper publications of the demolition before the court.

The judge adjourned until February 26.

http://punchng.com/court-orders-inquiry-into-demolition-of-patience-jonathans-property/

This country eh..

Make i nor talk today

hypertension:
This country eh..

Make i nor talk today

A country where vandetta is more important than development..

Demolishing without even raising not even one mud house..

If you travel abroad you will find out that we don't have a country but just a geographical area..

Buharis govt and lawlessness na 5 and 6..I was very happy Patiences property was demolished despite a standing court other preventing such , the good thing is that a precende has been set and when we send Buhari back to Daura anything he and family has built with proceeds from their uneventful governance will also be probed and demolished .

Humm case don start

No comment

There really was a country.

The property has been demolished so case closed

Lawless government

Which First Lady has shown more patriotism and love for the country?

Like for Dame Patience Faka Jonathan

Or

Share for Aisha Buhari

HOW CAN U DEMOLISHED SOMEONE'S PROPERTY WITHOUT A LEGAL BACKUP?

But Justice Dimgba said the court could not act without first ascertaining whether or not the property in question had been destroyed.
Lol.... Dimgba no see the video for YouTube? Court proceedings can take unnecessary time sha.. I prefer Amadioha or Sango, very swift in action

h

Is this the jihad war magu talked about.

Demolition is a very silly thing to do. Economic loss

This woman sef, she just get properties everywhere...

And someone said her husband is the poorest ex-president, his parlour cannot take more than 10 people at a time..

Stupidity.. Ridiculing the court system.

EFCC came to court to ask for forfeiture,

The NGO through its lawyer is blocking the application.

BUT neither EFCC nor the NGO knows if the building is demolished or not...

Ridiculous the judge could have dismissed the case or better yet adjourn the case sine dine.

Yeye people

Nigeria Courts care thiefs politicians rights only.

workkharder:
Chai Chai Chai, diariz God ooo,all this blood we are sharing•••ever green•••

In other news
hail keyboard warriors, busy fingers, Facebook wizards, Internet jagabans,visit my profile or peep at my signature to convert your E-kardz to khash

If you have nothing meaningful to say pertaining to the topic,why not just pass

Must you seize every opportunity to troll every thread with your business

Felixalex:
This woman sef, she just get properties everywhere...

And someone said her husband is the poorest ex-president, his parlour cannot take more than 10 people at a time..

May your property get demolished too

Any small thing, stupid Nigerian Govt including PDP will start demolishing structures.. Do they even know such can be sold to recover fund?

Story will be told in the future how there was a country called Nigeria that self destructed due to clueless leaders espcially the bigot Buhari

The wicked shall not go unpunished