13 Witnesses set to Testify Against Former First Lady

As many as 13 witnesses are set to testify against former first lady Patience Jonathan and confirm that she did have 4 accounts for slush funds the Nation reports.

To this end, the EFCC has tightened security around these witnesses to protect them which include a banker and a CAC representative.

Reports had earlier indicated that the accounts were opened for Mrs. Jonathan by former Senior Special Assistant to Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Dudafa Waripamo-Owei Emmanuel.

Also implicated were a lawyer Amajuoyi Briggs, a banker, Adedamola Bolodeoku; Pluto Property and Investment Company Limited; Trans Ocean Property and Investment Company Limited; Globus Integrated Service Limited; and Seagate Property Development and Investment Limited.

Court documents indicate that the 13 witnesses will testify as to how the current and VISA Platinum Credit Card ( USD) accounts were opened.

The identity of the 13 witnesses has been shielded for their safety.

The Nation reports that a source said on the matter; “We are set for the trial on how the slush accounts were opened for the former First Lady. We have filed a list of 13 witnesses along with our Proof of Evidence to show that we conducted due diligence.

“The Account Officer, who managed the slush funds, will tell the court the remittances into the accounts and how the ex-First Lady operated them. I think Nigerians have not heard the last on these slush accounts. This is not a case of witchhunt.

“We have also taken adequate measures to protect all the witnesses in order to enable them to testify against encumbrances. We know some of the witnesses have been under pressure but we will ensure their safety.

“It is imperative to protect these witnesses because we have availed the defence their names in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. This may expose the witnesses to some risks which are being taking care of.”