$15m Alleged Scam: Patience Jonathan withdraws libel suit against SERAP

A Lagos Federal High Court has struck out a suit former First Lady, Patience Jonathan and her group, Union of Niger Delta Youth Organisation for Equity, Justice and Good Governance brought against a civil society group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP.

TheNewsGuru.com recalls that Mrs Jonathan and her group had sued SERAP in suit number FHC/L/CS/1349/2016 dated October 6, 2016 of “using online, print and electronic media to publish alleged unfounded and malicious allegations that she stole $15m (US) and ought to be prosecuted.”

However, TheNewsGuru.com reports that during Monday’s resumed hearing, counsel to the former First Lady informed the court that they were no longer interested in pursuing the matter, and subsequently applied to discontinue the case.

Reacting to the submission of Mrs Jonathan’s counsel, lawyer to SERAP, Timothy Adewale said, “This case should never have been brought against SERAP in the first place. The case has been a complete waste of our time.

“While we do not object to the request by the Plaintiffs’ lawyers for withdrawal of the case, we ask the Honourable Court for N500,000 as cost against Mrs Jonathan and her group.”

After listening to their arguments, the presiding judge, Justice C.M.A Olatoregun subsequently struck out the case and awarded N25,000 as cost to SERAP.