Justice Hamza Muazu of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has rejected an application by former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, for permission to travel to the United Kingdom for a follow-up medical checkup.
The embattled Emefiele is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Justice Muazu on an amended 20-count charge bordering on procurement fraud, obtaining by false pretence, and forgery.
Ruling on the defendant’s application, which was argued on July 8, Justice Muazu held that though the court has the power to exercise its discretion, the applicant did not present before the court any medical appointment or invitation, despite the fact that he stated in his application that he would be away from July 28 to September 10.
This, the judge held, could not enable the court to exercise its discretion, adding that apart from that, Emefiele is standing trial in three different courts in FCT and Lagos for various charges.
According to Justice Muazu, “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 the trial still stands.”
While arguing Emefiele’s application on July 8, counsel for the embattled former CBN governor, Hakeem Labi-Lawal, had urged the court to release the applicant’s passport, which was deposited as part of his bail conditions, to enable him to travel to the United Kingdom for medical treatment.
Counsel for the prosecution, Muhammad Omeiza, while opposing the application, argued that no medical report showing that Emefiele was suffering from any particular ailment that could not be treated in Nigeria was presented to the court.
He argued that Emefiele is a flight risk due to his connections with co-conspirators abroad, adding that the applicant is facing trials in three different courts.
Justice Muazu subsequently adjourned to today to rule on the application.
