On Monday, July 8, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) opposed an application by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor Godwin Emefiele for the release of his passport to facilitate an overseas medical trip.
Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s spokesman, stated that the defense counsel, Labi-Lawal, had filed an affidavit seeking the release of Emefiele’s passport to travel to the United Kingdom for medical treatment. The EFCC objected to this request, citing insufficient evidence.
Prosecution counsel Muhammad Abbas Omeiza argued that there was no medical report presented to the court indicating that Emefiele had an ailment requiring treatment abroad. Omeiza added that even if such a condition existed, there was no proof it could not be treated in Nigeria. He also noted that Emefiele had surrendered his passport as part of his bail conditions and releasing it would constitute a variation of these conditions.
Omeiza expressed concerns about Emefiele being a flight risk, noting that he has co-conspirators abroad. “One Anita and Tony are aides of the defendant currently in the UK. The defendant might be tempted to jump bail because he is standing trial in three different courts,” Omeiza stated.
In response, the defense counsel argued that the prosecution’s claims were speculative. They suggested that an international red alert could be issued if Emefiele failed to return after his medical trip.
Justice Mu’azu adjourned the ruling on the application until July 16, 2024, after hearing arguments from both sides.
Emefiele is facing trials in three separate cases. He is charged with procurement fraud, forgery of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s signature, and other offenses before Justice Mu’azu. In the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, he is accused of fraud involving $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion. Additionally, he is facing charges for allegedly approving the printing of N684.5 million notes for N18.96 billion before Justice Maryann Anenih of the FCT High Court in Abuja.
Oreoluwa is an accountant and a brand writer with a flair for journalism.
