From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), yesterday, rejected an application by the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, seeking its permission to travel to the United Kingdom for medical check-up.
Emefiele is standing trial before Justice Hamza Muazu on an amended 20-count charge bordering on procurement fraud, obtaining by pretence, and forgery allegedly committed while in office as governor of the apex bank.
Among others, the prosecution alleged that Emefiele 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.
Justice Muazu held that Emefiele failed to supply sufficient reasons to show that the medical trip was essential and unavoidable.
In his ruling, the judge said the applicant 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, he was, however, helpless as Emefiele 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.
The prosecution counsel, Muhammad Omeiza, had argued 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. Omeiza contended 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.
But counsel to Emefiele, 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, adding that the defence arguments were speculative. The defence counsel added that an international red alert could ensure Emefiele is returned if he did not comply after the medical trip. Meanwhile, Justice Muazu has adjourned the case to today to deliver his ruling on the application.