The court dismissed Mrs Jonathan objection to the application for lacking in merit.

Federal High Court Abuja has ordered an interim forfeiture of two properties in Abuja linked to the wife of former President Jonathan, Patience Jonathan. The order was issued in a ruling on an application presented by the Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) in September last year. The court dismissed Mrs Jonathan objection to the application for lacking in merit. The judge said the order will only last for 45 days and that within the 45 days, the EFCC must conclude its investigations and charge the suspects being investigated in respect of the alleged crimes linked to properties.

However, the judge added that the EFCC was free to file an application for the extension of the lifespan of the order before the expiration of the initial 45 days given. He also ordered that if by any reason EFCC’s officials needed to access the properties within the period of interim forfeiture, they must do so with the respondents in attendance. The properties which are situated in Abuja are said to be held in the name of Ariwabai Aruera Reachout Foundation. Mrs Jonathan is reportedly  said to be one of its “trustees.” Photo Credit: Getty