Investigations into Dame Jonathan's affairs show she owns five star hotel in Yenagoa

INVESTIGATORS probing the affairs of former first lady Dame Patience Jonathan have uncovered the fact that she owns a luxury hotel known as the Aridolf Resort Wellness and Spa in the Bayelsa State capital Yenagoa.

 

Arguably the most prestigious hotel in the state, the edifice is located in Okaka Estate, along Isaac Adaka Boro Expressway, which is close to a popular night club, Bolex. It is a five star hotel that sprawls over a large expanse of land complementing the surroundings of the residential estate which boasts of the choicest edifices and castles in the whole of Bayelsa State.

 

Reportedly worth about N10bn, the Aridolf is said to reek grandeur and a first time visitor would still marvel at the sprawling architectural masterpiece spread across four buildings with a fountain strategically positioned for aesthetic effect. Its fountain is encased with bulbs of different colours shining from beneath it, producing a colourful shade of glamour and extravagance.

 

Inside the compound, tarred with interlocking tiles all round, is a spacious car park that can conveniently accommodate hundreds of vehicles. Other facilities offered at the property include a nightclub, meeting facilities and a shared lounge.

 

Established to mainly cater for Nigeria’s elite, the Aridolf offers indoor pools, a spa and wellness centre as well as free WiFi access for visitors and guests. Its opulence is further showcased in the hotel’s reception area, with expensive artworks, gold-plated furniture and imposing landscapes on display.

 

Apparently, the Aridolf boasts of about 200 rooms including suites, with the price of the rooms ranging from N15,700 to N367,500 per night. Most of the categories of rooms are fully furnished with air conditioners, fridges, TV sets with satellite channels, good toilet systems, cold and hot water facilities and Wifi connectivity.

 

Last week, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) froze Dame Jonathan's Skye Bank account after it emerged that large sums of money had been deposited in it. As much as $31m was found to have been transferred to the account by Waripamo Dudafa, a special assistant to former president Dr Goodluck Jonathan, using four companies.

 

When charged, the companies, Pluto Property and Investment Company, Seagate Property Development and Investment Company, Trans Ocean Property and Investment Company and Avalon Global Property Development Company, all pleaded guilty to a 15-count charge brought against them. They had been dragged to court by the EFCC and appeared before Justice Babs Kuewumi.