Federal High Court Unfreezes Patience Jonathan’s Accounts After EFCC Investigation Lapses

The Federal High Court in Abuja has overturned its previous order that froze 16 bank accounts belonging to Patience Jonathan, wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan. The original freeze order was issued on May 30 by the court following a petition from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

During proceedings on December 5, the presiding judge, Justice Binta Nyako, ruled that the freeze was lifted because the EFCC failed to conduct a proper investigation before seeking the court order.

Speaking after the judgment, Mike Ozekhome, counsel to Mrs. Jonathan, explained that the court had previously instructed the EFCC to complete its investigation within 90 days of the May order. However, the antigraft agency did not meet this deadline, prompting the court to withdraw the freeze.

This ruling clears the way for Patience Jonathan to regain access to her accounts, highlighting the importance of procedural compliance in financial investigations by the EFCC.