The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) opposed former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele’s request for the release of his passport to travel overseas for medical treatment. The opposition was made on Monday, July 8, 2024, in court.
Emefiele’s defence counsel, Labi-Lawal, filed an affidavit seeking permission for Emefiele to travel to the United Kingdom for medical reasons. However, the EFCC objected to this request. The current affidavits and counter-affidavits build on those previously submitted by both parties on June 25, 2024.
Prosecution counsel Muhammad Abbas Omeiza argued that there was no medical report proving Emefiele’s ailment or evidence that it couldn’t be treated in Nigeria. Omeiza emphasized that Emefiele’s passport was held by the court as part of his bail conditions, and releasing it would alter these terms. He further argued that Emefiele posed a flight risk, mentioning his alleged co-conspirators abroad and noting his ongoing trials in three different courts.
In response, the defence dismissed the prosecution’s arguments as speculative. They suggested that an international red alert could be issued if Emefiele did not return from his medical trip.
Justice Mu’azu adjourned the ruling on the application until July 16, 2024.
