A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama on Tuesday denied an application by former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, seeking permission to travel to the United Kingdom for a medical check-up.
Emefiele is facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on an amended 20-count charge related to procurement fraud, obtaining by pretense, and forgery during his tenure as governor of the apex bank.
During the hearing on the application for medical leave, Justice Hamza Muazu ruled that Emefiele did not provide sufficient evidence to prove that the medical trip was essential and unavoidable. Justice Muazu noted that Emefiele failed to present a copy of the medical appointment or an invitation from the UK, despite stating he would be away from July 28 to September 10.
Additionally, the judge pointed out that Emefiele did not demonstrate that his medical condition could not be treated in Nigeria. While acknowledging the court’s discretion in such matters, Justice Muazu deemed it excessive to grant the request given that Emefiele is currently on trial in three different courts in the FCT and Lagos for various charges.
“As it stands now, I cannot use my discretion to grant the application, and he is standing trial in three courts.
“The application is hereby dismissed, and the adjourned date for continuation of trial still stands,” Justice Muazu said.
Recall that EFCC had argued against Emefiele’s application on July 8.
Prosecution counsel Muhammad Omeiza argued that no medical report was presented to show that Emefiele suffered from an ailment that couldn’t be treated in Nigeria. He asserted that Emefiele is a flight risk due to his international connections with co-conspirators and pointed out that Emefiele is facing trials in three different courts.
Emefiele’s counsel, Hakeem Labi-Lawal, urged the court to grant the request and release Emefiele’s passport, which was deposited with the court registrar as part of his bail conditions. He claimed that the prosecution’s arguments were speculative and suggested that an international red alert could ensure Emefiele’s return if he failed to comply after the medical trip.
After hearing both sides, Justice Muazu adjourned the decision on the application to today.
Among other charges, Emefiele is accused of forging a document titled “Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions” dated January 26, 2023, with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201, purportedly from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. He is also accused of using his position as CBN governor to confer unfair and corrupt advantages on two companies, April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd. Additionally, the amended charge alleges that on February 8, 2023, Emefiele falsely obtained $6,230,000 by claiming that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation requested the CBN to provide a contingent logistic advance for that amount, in line with the President’s directive, via a letter dated January 26, 2023, with Ref No. SGF 43/L.01/201.
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