EFCC re-opens case against Jonathan’s doctor

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday re-opened its case against Fortune Fiberesima, the former physician of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

Fiberesima was accused of awarding contracts valued at N258.9 million and N36.9 million to companies where he had interests during his time as Jonathan’s physician.

He was arraigned before an Abuja high court on a six-count charge bordering on abuse of office.

EFCC said the offences were contrary and punishable under section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

The contracts include reclamation of land at the State House Medical Centre as well as supply of medical consumables.

He was granted an administrative bail on April 25 on the same condition of two directors in government service with landed property in Abuja.

He was also ordered to deposit his international passport to the court registrar.

At the resumed sitting, EFCC brought two witnesses out of nine billed to testify in the matter.

Aminu Abubakar, the first witness, who is a retired director, maintenance, state house, was led in evidence by Hussaina Gambo, EFCC counsel.

He told the court that the contract for the reclamation was awarded in February 2013 to a company named TE and C Ltd at N358.5 million to be completed within 16 weeks.

Abubakar said at the completion of the contract, certificate of practical completion was issued to the contractor.

The witness also told the court that he was invited to EFCC and DSS in 2015 and 2016 respectively for interrogation in relation to the project.

When cross-examined by Granville Alibo, a senior advocate of Nigeria and counsel for the defendant, the witness said that the defendant was never a member of the Tenders Board.

“Even in the award of contract, the defendant never sat as a member of Tenders Board which reports to the permanent secretary of the state house,’’ the witness said.

He also told the court that he did not know if the payment of the contract was completed but that the process for payment was completed before he left service.

Rukiyat Odekunle, another witness, told the court that the contract to supply medical consumables was awarded to one Ibomaedomi and Global Services Ltd at N36 million.

Odekunle said she was the director of procurement at the state house when the contract was awarded.
She also said that the defendant was never a member of the Tenders Board and that the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) did not object to the contract.

Peter Affen, the presiding judge, adjourned the case until July 13 for the continuation of hearing.