A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama on Tuesday refused an application by the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, to be granted permission to travel to the United Kingdom for a check-up.
Emefiele is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission before on an amended 20-count charge bordering on procurement fraud, obtaining by pretense and forgery while he held sway as governor of the apex bank.
At the resumed hearing on the application for medical leave, the trial Judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, held that Emefiele failed to supply sufficient reasons to show that the medical trip was essential and unavoidable.
Justice Muazu, in a ruling, while denying Emefiele’s request said he failed to show the court a copy of the medical appointment or invitation from the United Kingdom he claimed invited him for a medical check-up despite stating he will be away from July 28 to September 10.
The judge also said Emefiele could not establish that his ailment could not be attended to in Nigeria.
The judge said although the court has the power to exercise its discretion, it might be a little too much of a request for Emefiele to ask because he is standing trial in three different courts in 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.
The prosecution counsel, Muhammad Omeiza, contended that there is no medical report showing that Emefiele was suffering from any particular ailment that could not be treated in Nigeria as 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.
Emefiele’s counsel, Hakeem Labi-Lawal, urged the court to grant his client’s request and release his passport which was deposited as part of his bail conditions to the court registrar.
He said the defence arguments were speculative.
He added that an international red alert could ensure Emefiele is returned if he did not comply after the medical trip.
After listening to both parties, Justice Muazu subsequently adjourned to today to rule on the application.
Among others, Emefiele was said to have forged a document titled: “Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions” dated January 26, 2023, with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201 and purported to have emanated from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
He is also accused of using his office as CBN governor to confer unfair and corrupt advantage on two companies; April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.
Emefiele in the amended charge was alleged to have, on February 8, 2023, knowingly obtained, by pretense, $6,230,000.00 by falsely representing that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation vide a letter dated January 26, 2023, with Ref No. SGF 43/L.01/201 requested the CBN to provide a contingent logistic advance for $6,230,000 “in line with Mr. President’s directive.”
