The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has opposed a request by former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, to travel abroad for medical treatment.
Defense counsel Abdulakeem Labi-Lawal had filed an affidavit seeking the release of Emefiele’s passport to facilitate his travel to the United Kingdom for medical care. However, the EFCC objected to this request.
The latest affidavits submitted by both the defense and prosecution on Monday build on earlier filings from June 25, 2024.
In a statement by the commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the prosecution counsel, Muhammad Omeiza, argued that there was no medical report presented to the court indicating that Emefiele was suffering from an ailment requiring overseas treatment. Omeiza further noted that there was no evidence suggesting that such a condition could not be treated within Nigeria.
“Omeiza also pointed out that Emefiele deposited his passport with the court as part of his bail conditions, and releasing it would amount to varying those conditions,” the statement added.
The EFCC’s lawyer contended that Emefiele posed a flight risk, citing co-conspirators abroad and the potential for him to abscond. “The defendant has co-conspirators all over the world. One Anita and Tony are aides currently in the UK. The defendant might be tempted to jump bail as he is facing trial in three different courts,” Omeiza argued.
In response, the defense dismissed the prosecution’s concerns as speculative and suggested that an international red alert could be issued if Emefiele failed to return from the medical trip.
Justice Hamza Mu’azu, after hearing both sides, adjourned the ruling on the application to July 16, 2024.
Emefiele is facing multiple charges across different courts. Before Justice Mu’azu, he is charged with procurement fraud and forgery of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s signature. In Lagos, he faces allegations of fraud involving $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion before Justice Rahman Oshodi. Additionally, he is accused of approving the printing of N684.5 million notes at the cost of N18.96 billion before Justice Maryann Anenih of the FCT High Court in Abuja.
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