A Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Tuesday rejected an application by Godwin Emefiele, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, seeking to travel to the United Kingdom for medical attention.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Emefiele on a 20-count charge, including allegations of procurement fraud, obtaining funds under false pretences, and forgery that were allegedly committed during his tenure as the apex bank’s governor.
During the resumed hearing, Justice Hamza Muazu, the trial judge, ruled that Emefiele’s application for medical leave lacked sufficient justification, failing to demonstrate that the trip was absolutely necessary and couldn’t be postponed or handled locally.
In his ruling, Justice Muazu declined Emefiele’s request, citing that he failed to provide the court with a copy of the medical appointment or invitation from the UK, as claimed, despite specifying a duration for his intended trip from July 28 to September 10.
The judge further stated that Emefiele was unable to prove that Nigeria could not provide treatment for his illness.
While acknowledging the court’s discretionary powers, Muazu expressed reservations about granting Emefiele’s request, given the defendant’s ongoing trials in three separate courts in both FCT and Lagos.
Muazu said: “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.”
Persecondnews recalls that the EFCC had argued against Emefiele’s application on July 8.
Prosecutor Muhammad Omeiza argued that the defence did not provide a medical report proving Emefiele had a specific condition requiring treatment abroad.
Omeiza further argued that he poses a significant flight risk, given his international connections with alleged co-conspirators and his ongoing trials in three separate courts.
Mr. Hakeem Labi-Lawal, counsel for Emefiele, implored the court to approve his client’s application, dismissing the prosecution’s concerns as speculative.
He asked the court to release Emefiele’s passport, submitted as part of his bail terms, to the court Registrar.
He further suggested that the court could mitigate flight risks by issuing an international red alert, which would guarantee Emefiele’s return to Nigeria after his medical treatment abroad in the event he attempts to flee or fails to comply with the court’s conditions.
After listening to both parties, Justice Muazu adjourned until today (July 16) to rule on the application.
Emefiele is accused of forgery after making a fake document with the title “Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions” and the reference number SGF.43/L.01/201, and giving it the wrong office name, “Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation,” with a date of January 26, 2023.
Additionally, he is accused of misusing his position as CBN governor to grant unjust and corrupt benefits to two companies, April 1616 Nigeria Ltd. and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.
The amended charge accuses Emefiele of using deceptive methods to obtain $6,230,000 on February 8, 2023.
He allegedly lied about the Secretary to the Government of the Federation requesting the funds in a letter.
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