Nigeria’s ex-first lady escapes murder

Former First Lady Patience Jonathan was going to be murdered and robbed by 15 people in Bayelsa before the police busted the plot and arrested the suspects.

This is the second time some violent attempt would be made on the life of the matron of Nigeria’s former first family. Those arrested for the earlier burglary of  the Jonathan’s were said to be relatives of Mrs Jonathan’s.

A 17-count charge of conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to commit felony with armed robbery, malicious injury to property, conspiracy to commit felony, stealing and burglary were filed against them in state high court in Yenegoa.

Count 1 accused the 15 persons of conspiring to commit murder which is an offence punishable under section 252 of the Criminal code law cap. C14 laws of Bayelsa State.

”All the accused and some at large, sometime in the month of June, 2019 at Otuoke community in Ogbia local government within the Ogbia Judicial Division of the state high court did conspire to kill Her excellency, Dame Patience Jonathan, former first lady ,there committed an offence,” the rap sheet read.

”That you and some other persons at large,on the same date and place aforementioned Judicial division of Bayelsa did steal seven gold bangles and jewelries, five Samsung Air Conditioner,Two sets of upholstery chairs,six Samsung flat screen television stands at two hundred million naira (N200,000,000).These are property of Dame Patience Jonathan and thereby committed an offence.”

The suspects, however, pleaded not guilty.

Defending the accused persons are Stanley Damabide, Padiowei P.P. Tamuno, E. Samuel, Chuks Momoh.