The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has opposed the application of a former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, for his passport to enable him to make an overseas medical trip.
Defence counsel Labi-Lawal had filed an affidavit seeking the release of Emefiele’s passport to enable him to travel to the United Kingdom for medical treatment which was objected to by the EFCC.
Monday’s affidavit by the defense and the counter-affidavit by the prosecution were in furtherance of the ones made earlier on the matter on June 25 by both teams.
The prosecution counsel, Muhammad Abbas Omeiza told the Federal High Court in Abuja that there was no medical report before the court showing that Emefiele was ill. He added that if there was, there was no evidence to support that he could not be treated locally in Nigeria.
Omeiza further noted that Emefiele deposited his passport with the court as part of his bail conditions, saying releasing it to him would amount to the court varying his bail conditions.
Arguing that Emefiele was a flight risk, the prosecution counsel said: “The defendant has co-conspirators all over the world. One Anita and Tony who are currently in the UK are all aides of the defendant. The defendant might be tempted to jump bail because he is standing trial in three different courts.”
Responding, the defense counsel dismissed the prosecution’s arguments as speculative, noting that the prosecution could issue an international red alert on Emefiele to enable his arrest if he made the overseas medical trip and refused to come back.
The presiding judge, Justice Hamza Mua’zu, after listening to both counsels, adjourned ruling on the application till July 16, 2024.
