TheCable

A federal high court in Lagos has ordered the temporary freezing of N350 million belonging to AM-PM Global Network Ltd pending an ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Hadiza Rabiu-Shagari, the presiding judge, gave the order on Tuesday following an ex-parte application filed by the EFCC.

The application was argued by Rotimi Oyedepo, counsel to the EFCC, against the company.

In an affidavit deposed to by one Musbau Yahaya, the commission said between June 20, 2012 and November 15, 2013, the respondent “fraudulently received a total sum of N1.2 billion, into its Diamond Bank account”.

He said the sum was proceeds of an “unlawful enrichment” derived by Patience, wife of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, while she was a permanent secretary, appointed by the Bayelsa state government.

The deponent also said in a “desperate” bid to dissipate the fund, the respondent opened an account with Stanbic-IBTC Bank.

He said out of the alleged proceeds of unlawful enrichment, the respondent allegedly transferred the sum of N350 million, from its Diamond Bank account to the account sought to be attached.

The deponent further said the commission traced the said N350 million to the respondent’s account.

He said a court order is needed to get the bank to attach the account to prevent the use of the funds, adding that unless the application was determined, the respondent will tamper with the said account.

After listening to the submissions, Rabiu-Shagari granted the application and ordered the temporary freezing of the money pending when the EFCC will conclude its investigation.