A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has scheduled ruling for July 16 on an application by former the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele to travel abroad on medical grounds.
Emefiele is being prosecuted before the court on a 20-count amended charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He is accused among others of conferring corrupt advantages, conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, forgery and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of $6.23m.
According to a statement on Tuesday by the EFCC, the trial judge, Justice Hamza Muazu chose the date for ruling during Monday’s proceedings, after the prosecution objected to Emefiele’s application for the release of his international passport to enable him travel.
It was part of his bail conditions that he must first, obtain the permission of the court before traveling outside the country while his trial lasts.
Emefiele’s lawyer, Labi-Lawal had, in an affidavit requested the release of his client’s passport to facilitate a trip to the United Kingdom for medical care.
However, the EFCC, in a counter-affidavit, opposed the request by the defence lawyer .Related News
EFCC’s lawyer, Muhammad Omeiza argued that no medical report was tendered by the defendant substantiated his claimed ailment.
Omeiza added that even if there was such an ailment, there was no evidence suggesting it could not be treated in Nigeria.
Omeiza also noted that Emefiele’s passport was deposited with the court as a bail condition, and releasing it would effectively alter these conditions.
He described Emefiele as a flight risk, claiming that the ex-CBN Governor has co-conspirators abroad.
He cited two aides, Anita and Tony, currently in the UK, suggesting that Emefiele might be tempted to flee as he faces trials in three different courts.
In response, the defence dismissed the prosecution’s arguments as speculative.
It argued that the EFCC could issue an international red alert to ensure Emefiele’s arrest if he failed to return from his medical trip.
THE NATION
