By Kenny Folowosele, Abuja
Justice Hamza Muazu of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja has turned down an application by the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, for permission to travel to the United Kingdom for a follow-up medical check-up.
Recall that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Emefiele in 20 amended counts of conferment of corrupt advantages, conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, forgery, and obtaining about $6.23m belonging to the Nigerian government by false pretence.
Emefiele is facing corruption charges in separate trials in Abuja and Lagos. The cases were instituted against him after President Bola Tinubu removed him from office in June 2023.
In the court where he sought permission to travel abroad, the EFCC accused him of forgery of a document titled, “Re: Presidential directive on foreign election observer missions.”
However, while ruling on the application, Justice Hamza Muazu held that Emefiele failed to supply sufficient evidence to show that the medical trip was essential and unavoidable.
The judge stated further that despite claims that he was invited to travel to the United Kingdom for medical attention; Emefiele according to him could not tender a copy of the said invitation in court.
“Emefiele did not show that his ailment could not be attended to in Nigeria even while still facing charges in three other courts.
“As it stands now, I cannot use my discretion to grant the application, especially since he is standing trial in three courts. The application is hereby dismissed, and the adjourned date for the continuation of the trial still stands,” he stated.
Objecting, the prosecution counsel, Muhammad Omeiza, opposed the application, arguing that no medical report was presented to show that Emefiele was suffering from an ailment that couldn’t be treated in the country.
Omeiza also told the court that Emefiele poses a flight risk due to links to co-conspirators abroad.
