The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has opposed an application by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, to release his passport for an overseas medical trip. Emefiele’s defence counsel, Labi-Lawal, had filed an affidavit seeking the release of his passport to enable him to travel to the United Kingdom for medical treatment.
However, the EFCC’s prosecution counsel, Muhammad Omeiza, objected to the application, stating that there was no medical report before the court showing that Emefiele was plagued by an ailment that could not be treated locally in Nigeria.
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Omeiza further argued that releasing the passport would amount to varying Emefiele’s bail conditions and that he was a flight risk.
“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,” Omeiza said.
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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 Hamza Mu’azu, after listening to both counsel, adjourned ruling on the application till July 16, 2024.
Emefiele is facing trial in three separate cases before different judges for various charges, including procurement fraud, forgery, and alleged fraud involving $4.5 billion and N2.8bn.
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