The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has opposed former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor Godwin Emefiele’s request to travel overseas for medical treatment.
Emefiele’s defense counsel, Labi-Lawal, filed an affidavit seeking the release of his passport so he could travel to the United Kingdom for medical reasons. However, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale stated that the agency objected to this request.
On Monday, July 8, the defense and prosecution presented affidavits related to the matter. Prosecution counsel Muhammad Abbas Omeiza argued that no medical report had been provided to show that Emefiele had a serious ailment, nor was there evidence that the condition couldn’t be treated in Nigeria.
Omeiza also emphasized that Emefiele had surrendered his passport as part of his bail conditions, and returning it to him would mean changing those conditions.
While also arguing that Emefiele was a flight risk, the prosecution counsel noted that “the defendant has co-conspirators all over the world. One Anita and Tony are all aides of the defendant who are currently in the UK. The defendant might be tempted to jump bail because he is standing trial in three different courts.”
In response, the defence counsel dismissed the prosecution’s arguments as speculative, noting that the prosecution could issue an international red alert on the defendant to enable his arrest if he made the overseas medical trip and refused to come back.
Justice Mu’azu, after listening to both counsels, adjourned ruling on the application till July 16, 2024.
The former CBN governor is facing trial in three separate cases before different judges.
With Justice Mu’azu, he is being tried for procurement fraud, forgery of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s signature, and other charges.
Before Justice Rahman Oshodi at the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, Emefiele is charged with alleged fraud involving $4.5 billion and N2.8bn.
Additionally, Emefiele appeared before Justice Maryann Anenih of the FCT High Court in Abuja for allegedly approving the printing of N684.5m notes at the cost of N18.96bn.
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