Dame Patience Jonathan is in fresh trouble as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has rejected her bid to settle out of court over the strange payment of $11,489,069.03 into her domiciliary accounts.
Dame Patience Jonathan
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked the ex-First Lady to come before a court by entering into a plea bargain in line with the laws of the land. The agency said it would only accept a plea bargain in which the court is carried along.
Also, EFCC detectives have not been able to trace about 29 of the 31 individuals and companies which made the controversial deposits. The development has fuelled speculations that some of the depositors are “fictitious”.
Some of the shops where the ex-First Lady visited are said to have offered to give details of how much was spent and the items bought.
Insiders at the EFCC said; “We have considered the January 30, 2018 letter by Dame (Mrs.) Ibifaka Patience Jonathan; we are of the opinion that her offer of out-of-court settlement is strange and confounding as if there is a dispute between her and the EFCC.”
“We are certainly rejecting the offer from the ex-First Lady because the EFCC does not engage in such a deal but we prefer the ex-First Lady approaching a court for plea bargain in line with the relevant laws if she is ready to settle all issues. The terms of the plea bargain will be open to all parties before the court.”
“I think she should emulate other high profile suspects who went to the court for plea bargain. We are ready to apply the laws in the interest of justice for all. We won’t oppose plea bargain.”
“As an officer in the Temple of Justice, we know that the respected Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) will guide the ex-First Lady accordingly.”
For those who don’t know, in a January 30, 2018 letter, titled “Proposal for out-of-Court Settlement of all cases related to Dame (Mrs.) Ibifaka Patience Jonathan.” The letter was written by her counsel, Chief Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN).
The letter said: “As senior counsel, representing Dame (Mrs.) Patience Jonathan (former First Lady) and companies linked to her and some family members, associates, companies and NGOs, we have thought it fit to engage your commission in a discussion over all issues involving her and the commission with view to having amicable resolution of all cases as stated above.”
“This will enable both sides create an atmosphere for mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence. We will therefore appreciate it, if you can give us an appointment at your earliest convenience to have a discussion over all matters involving her and members of her family.”
“We believe that an amicable settlement will be in the best interest of both your commission and our client. We assure you of our utmost commitment and sincerity of purpose in this connection, and we solicit your cooperation in this regard. Please, accept the assurances of our warm regards.”