No debit order: Court fixes October 16 for Patience Jonathan’s suit

A Federal High Court in Lagos has fixed October 16 for hearing
in a suit filed by former First Lady, Patience Jonathan,
challenging a “No Debit Order” placed on her accounts.

Mrs Jonathan had filed the suit in 2016, to challenge the order
placed on four Skye Bank (now Polaris Bank Ltd) accounts having a
total of $9.8 million.

Joined as defendants in the suit are: the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission (EFCC), Polaris Bank Ltd, and Pluto Property and
Investment Company Ltd.

Also joined as defendants are: Seagate Property Development and
Investment Company Ltd, and Trans Ocean Property and Investment
Company Ltd.

The former first lady is seeking a declaration that she is owner
of the funds in the accounts opened in the names of the third,
fourth and fifth defendants, and so, entitled to access to the
funds for her use and benefit.

The case, which was fixed for further mention before Justice
Chukwujekwu Aneke on Wednesday, has now been slated for trial on
October 16.

At the last adjourned date on March 27, plaintiff’s counsel,
Ifedayo Adedipe, SAN, informed the court that the case, which was
first before his brother judge, Justice Mohammed Idris (who has
been elevated to the court of Appeal), was for mention.

He had said the matter was coming up before Mr Aneke for the
first time, and so, will be commencing afresh.

According to him, plaintiff had to amend her statement of claim
to correctly reflect the name of Skye bank as now Polaris Bank,
adding that the change in nomenclature necessitated the
amendment.

Other counsel present had confirmed the position to the court,
adding that their respective amended processes will also be filed
and served.

On the next adjourned date, substantive hearing will begin.

In the suit, Jonathan is seeking an order, restraining the EFCC
or any other person, from preventing the plaintiff access to the
said funds contained in the third to fifth defendant’s account with
Skye Bank (now Polaris Bank).

Plaintiff is also seeking an order, discharging the “No Debit
Freezing Order” placed on the accounts of the third to fifth
defendants.

She further seeks an order directing Polaris Bank to release
forthwith, the sum of $9.8 million standing to the credit of the
plaintiff, as at March 29, 2016, or any such other funds in the
account.

(NAN)

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Troops Nab 22 Armed Bandits in Sokoto

Synergy between 8 Division Nigerian Army and sister security
agencies in Sokoto state is yielding positive results in the fight
against armed banditry and other forms of insecurities especially
in Sokoto State.

Consequently, between the 19 to 21 of May 2019, 22 criminals
were arrested for various offences ranging from armed robbery,
banditry, possession and trafficking in hard drugs, and illegal
possession of firearms amongst others.

On the 21st may 2019, a joint patrol team comprising of troops
of 8 Division and other security agencies based on credible
information conducted a Cordon and Search operation in Didan Dere
Bypass area and apprehended a suspected drug peddler who in turn,
led the troops to the hideout of a notorius drug kingpin at Kofa
Kware. A search conducted in the premises, the following items were
discovered:
a. 10 x laptops
b. 22 x different sizes parcels of substance suspected to be Indian
hemp

Similarly, based on intelligence report another cordon and
search operation was conducted yesterday at Nakasari Barebare area
that led to the arrest of suspected drug baron. Items recovered
from his compound included:
a. A Toyota camry car with registration number KUJ 658 AP
b. 2 x Techo phones.

Earlier on 19th May 2019, a joint patrol team on patrol in
Sokoto metropolis, busted a notorious armed robbery gang led by one
Zayyanu aka ‘Dankane’ which hitherto terrorised residents of Sokoto
township and environs.

Similarly on 20th May, 2019, another joint patrol team, while on
routine Patrol in Sokoto town arrested 6 suspected robbers with
assorted weapons and other illegal substances. The following were
recovered from them:
a. 5x knives
b. 5x cutlasses
c. 4x mobile phones
d. 8x sim cards of various Service providers
e. 8 x packs of Indian hemp
f. 10 x packets of hard drugs
g. Assorted charms
h. 30 pieces of various keys.

Again, a patrol team along Gusau – Sokoto road intercepted
highly suspicious illegal aliens in a Toyota Avensis car conveying
8 Cameroonian nationals on their way to Niger Republic via Ilela
border. The individuals were without any valid identification and
could not explain their mission in the area.

The General Officer Commanding uses this medium to encourage
citizens to promptly report suspicious movements and activities in
their localities.

The GOC equally wishes to reaffirm the determination and resolve
of the Division to ridding the state of all forms of
criminality.

AYOBAMI ONI-ORISAN
Lieutenant
Assistant Director
Army Public Relations
1 Brigade