A High Court sitting in the Federal Capital Territory , FCT, Abuja has today, rejected an application by the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele, to be granted permission to travel to the United Kingdom, UK for a medical check-up.
Emefiele is facing a 20-count charges pressed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, bordering on procurement fraud, obtaining by pretence, and forgery while he held sway while serving as governor of the apex bank.
Upon resumed hearing on the application for medical leave, the presiding Judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, held that Emefiele failed to convince the court that his soughed medical trip was essential and unavoidable.
Consequently, in his ruling, justice Mua’zu, while denying Emefiele’s request also said the accused failed to show the court a copy of the medical appointment or invitation from the United Kingdom hospital as he claimed invited him for a medical check-up despite stating he will be away from July 28 to September 10.
In a similar manner, Emifele could not give reason why his ailment could not be handled in Nigeria.
Therefore, the Judge explained that the court has to use its discretion at the same time reminding Emifele that 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.
Meanwhile, the prosecution counsel, Muhammad Omeiza, contested that there is no medical report to prove Emefiele was suffering from any particular ailment that could warrant him to visit foreign hospital 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.
However, Emefiele’s counsel, Hakeem Labi-Lawal, prayed to the court should grant his client’s his request and release his passport which was deposited as part of his bail conditions to the court registrar.
Labi-Lawal was insisting that the defence argument was more of 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, the Justice 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 same 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.”